Gauteng police arrested more than 250 illegal immigrants during a high-density multidisciplinary Operation Shanela II conducted in the Hillbrow and Johannesburg Central policing precincts on Thursday.

The operation, led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, formed part of ongoing provincial crime-combatting initiatives aimed at tackling illegal immigration, drug-related offences and violent crime across the province.

In addition to the immigration-related arrests, police arrested 13 suspects for possession and dealing in drugs, one suspect for attempted murder and another for rape. Traffic officers also issued fines totalling R100,000 for various traffic violations.

Provincial detectives also arrested wanted suspects, recording 169 arrests overnight in cases relating to crimes against women and children.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni said the operation demonstrated the province’s determination to enforce the law and dismantle criminal activity through coordinated policing.