JOHANNESBURG - Operation Shanela turns a year old on Monday.
Police Minister Bheki Cele says over half a million people have been arrested since its launch.
He was giving an update on progress made in addressing serious crimes in the country on Sunday.
The Minister says the majority were nabbed for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Other arrests include over 8,500 suspected rapists.
Over 6,000 murder suspects and over 4,000 alleged attempted murderers were also cuffed.
Operation Shanela was launched in May 2023 to clamp down on crime in high-density areas across the country.