Police in Mpumalanga arrested 1 142 suspects during Operation Shanela II conducted from 24 to 27 September, police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula confirmed.
The high-density operation included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-searches, high-visibility patrols, and tracing operations for wanted suspects across all three districts – Ehlanzeni, Nkangala and Gert Sibande.
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32 unlicensed liquor outlets shut down
Officers also closed 32 unlicensed liquor premises and inspected licensed taverns, second-hand dealers, scrapyards and mines for compliance.
Breakdown of Operation Shanela II arrests:
- 15 for murder
- 7 for attempted murder
- 21 for rape
- 114 for assault GBH
- 13 for aggravated robbery
- 33 for illicit mining
- 109 undocumented persons
- 81 for drunk driving
A further 70 suspects were arrested for drug possession, 14 for illegal possession of firearms, and 17 for illegal possession of ammunition.
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Guns, drugs and R1,6m in counterfeit goods seized during operation Shanela II
Police confiscated 17 firearms – 14 handguns, two rifles and one shotgun – and 709 rounds of ammunition. Other seizures included 108kg of dagga, 93 dagga plants, Tik, Nyaope, Mandrax, crack cocaine, 14 057 counterfeit items worth R1,6 million, and 733 litres of liquor.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended members for the success of the intelligence-driven operations.
The SAPS is asking the public to report crime via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or on the MySAPS App.
