South Africa's Police Minister launched Operation Shanela, resulting in 616,423 arrests and 22,525 firearms seized, but violent crime increased nationally by 3%.

South Africa's Police Minister Bheki Cele launched Operation Shanela to combat crime. The operation saw 71,576 local, high-density police operations in crime hotspots, leading to 616,423 arrests and the seizure of 22,525 firearms. Despite these efforts, violent crime increased nationally by 3%. To improve policing, the minister must focus on oversight and effective strategies in high-crime areas.