By Thapelo Molefe
A Zimbabwean fugitive wanted for over 10 crimes, including murder and armed robbery, was among 13,105 suspects arrested during the first week of 2025 in a sweeping nationwide crackdown by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The arrests were part of Operation Shanela, a high-density initiative aimed at addressing violent crime and lawlessness across the country.
Lovemore Musoyi was re-arrested on Friday in Limpopo after escaping custody for attacking and disarming two police officers in Motetema.
“He is facing more than 10 criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, armed robberies, house robberies, business robberies, kidnapping, assaults, stock theft, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi revealed in a statement on Monday.
These incidents occured in Elandskraal, Motetema, Dennilton and Rakgoadi policing areas in Sekhukhune District
Musoyi is expected to appear in court this week.
The operation, conducted between 30 December and 5 January, involved roadblocks, patrols and targeted tracking of suspects.
Among the highlights of the operation, 1,743 wanted suspects were arrested for crimes such as murder and robbery, while 241 suspects were apprehended for rape, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for 119 of these arrests.
Additionally, 126 suspects were detained for the illegal possession of firearms, and law enforcement confiscated 125 firearms.
The operation also led to the recovery of 51 stolen vehicles.
SAPS said it also made strides against drug-related crimes, arresting 473 drug dealers and seizing narcotics from 1337 suspects.
Additionally, 1166 illegal foreign nationals were taken into custody.
Other significant successes included the arrest of two men in Mpumalanga who allegedly murdered two individuals sitting in a Toyota Avanza.
In Gauteng, a joint operation in Midrand involving multiple law enforcement units resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods valued at R627,290.
Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, the Anti-Gang Unit apprehended a 35-year-old man found in possession of an AK-47 rifle.
In Hartebeespoort Dam in the North West, five suspects were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of 26-year-old Lesego Klaas Makaku.
“These suspects dragged the victim from a tavern and assaulted him to death on the street,” said Mukhathi.
Operation Vala Umgodi, a parallel initiative, targeted illegal mining operations.
“Police arrested 54 suspects for illegal mining last week, with most arrests occurring in Mpumalanga,” Mukhathi added.
Mukhathi underscored the SAPS’ determination to safeguard communities.
“We will continue to assert the authority of the state through operations like Shanela to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” he said.
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