More than 250 undocumented immigrants were arrested during a multidisciplinary Operation Shanela II conducted in the Hillbrow and Johannesburg Central policing precincts on Thursday, 2 July 2026.
The high-density operation formed part of the Gauteng South African Police Service’s ongoing Provincial Operation Shanela II campaign, which is being rolled out across all five policing districts to combat crime, enforce immigration laws and improve public safety.
The operation was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni and brought together members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and private security companies.
Police said that, in addition to the more than 250 undocumented immigrants arrested, 13 suspects were taken into custody for possession of and dealing in drugs. One suspect was arrested for attempted murder, while another was arrested for rape.
Traffic law enforcement officers also issued fines totalling R100 000 for various traffic offences committed during the operation.
Meanwhile, Gauteng detectives arrested 169 wanted suspects overnight for crimes committed against women and children as part of ongoing provincial crime-fighting efforts.
According to police, the operation was aimed at addressing illegal immigration and other criminal activities while supporting ongoing intelligence-driven law enforcement interventions across the province.
Gauteng police said they remain committed to conducting coordinated operations to combat crime, enforce the law and ensure the safety and security of communities throughout the province.
