By localnew 
The multi-pronged Operation Shanela II, which was conducted in the Free State Province from Monday, 27 October 2025 to Sunday, 02 November 2025, resulted in the arrest of over 770 suspects for various offences.
?The arrests made during the operation reflect a concerted effort to combat violent crime, drug-related and property crimes. For possession of dangerous weapons, 46 suspects were arrested. For assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 225 suspects were arrested.
For murder, 13 suspects were arrested, while 17 were arrested for rape. Members also focused heavily on drug-related crimes. This resulted in the arrest of 50 suspects for possession of drugs and 17 for drug trafficking. The operation resulted in the seizure of drugs such as mandrax, crystal meth and nyaope..
33 people were arrested for property-related offences. 12 vehicles were seized, 10 firearms including two handguns were seized: 89 people were arrested for contravening the Migration Act. Working closely with other departments, including Provincial Traffic, the operation also issued 293 traffic tickets.
This multi-disciplinary operation is ongoing throughout the Free State Province through stop and search, roadblocks, intelligence-led operations and foot patrols. Police are encouraging the public to continue to provide information about criminal activity in their areas to support ongoing efforts to make the Free State safer.