Gauteng police arrest over 14,000 undocumented foreign nationals in Operation Shanela

More than 38 000 people have been arrested in Gauteng during the second phase of Operation Shanela, as police intensify crime-fighting operations across the province.

Briefing the Gauteng Legislature on Friday on crime statistics for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, Provincial Police Commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, said 38 584 people were arrested during the operation, which began in June 2025.

According to Mthombeni, 14 256 of those arrested were undocumented foreign nationals, with heightened tensions between migrants and anti-illegal migration groups in June contributing to the figures.

The provincial commissioner raised concerns over anti-illegal immigration protests, warning that they are putting additional pressure on police resources.

“The anti-illegal immigrant protests remain a high security threat to domestic stability in the province and continue to divert resources from the core business of policing.”

He said some of these protests are also linked to service delivery grievances, which could increase as the country approaches the local government elections.

The province’s latest crime figures show a mixed picture, with Gauteng recording a 10.7% drop in murders between April and June, compared to the same period last year. Rape cases also declined from 1 810 to 1 666.

However, attempted murder increased by 3%, while assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm rose by 4.1%.

Meanwhile, Mthombeni said poor environmental design, including inaccessible roads, dark areas and streets without names, is making it harder for police and emergency services to respond to incidents, particularly in informal settlements.

However, he said the provincial government and municipalities are working together to address these challenges and improve access to communities.

Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana today briefed the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety on the 1st Quarter Crime Statistics for 2026/27, which continue to show a positive downward trend in crime across Gauteng.

The Committee welcomed reductions… pic.twitter.com/twyOqy4WIm

— GPLegislature (@GPLegislature) September 11, 2026

#sapsGP The South African Police Service in Gauteng is to release the #CrimeStats for the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year. ME https://t.co/CAVLvOPv9C pic.twitter.com/HVCNbJO72i

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 11, 2026