Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga targeted serious and violent crime across the province, including in Mbombela, Barberton and the rest of the Lowveld.
Operation Vala Umgodi, which forms part of Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga, consists of a multidisciplinary team from different police units tasked with acting against illegal mining in Barberton and other parts of Mpumalanga.
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Breakdown: Who was arrested?
According to SAPS, the arrests include:
- 24 for murder
- 13 for rape
- 14 for aggravated robbery
- 11 for illicit possession of firearms and 13 for illegal ammunition
- 3 for illegal possession of explosives
- 63 for drug possession and 7 for dealing in drugs
- 123 undocumented migrants
- 11 for illicit mining
- 106 for drunk driving / driving under influence of drugs
- 183 for assault GBH and 94 for common assault
- 45 for malicious damage to property
- 13 for residential burglary
- 6 for theft out of motor vehicles and 2 for theft of motor vehicles/motorcycles
- 3 for business robbery, 6 for house robbery and 1 for human trafficking
Detectives also arrested 52 wanted suspects for murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, assault GBH and illegal possession of firearms.
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Guns, explosives, drugs and counterfeit goods seized
During Operation Shanela II, police recovered:
- 16 firearms: 14 handguns and 2 shotguns
- 506 rounds* of ammunition
- Explosives including 2 super blasting cartridges, 2 detonator cords and 2 connector fuses
- 1 538 counterfeit items valued at R700 000
- 15 litres of liquor, 6 dangerous weapons and 3kg of copper cables
Four unlicensed liquor premises were also closed.
SAPS: No safe haven for criminals
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended members for the operation.
“The results of these operations demonstrate the importance of sustained, intelligence-driven and high-density policing operations. We will continue to target those that are involved in any criminality and other serious crimes. Our message is that, there will be no safe haven for those who threaten the safety and security of the people,” she said.
Operation Shanela II will continue across Mpumalanga.
What Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga means for Lowveld residents
Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga is a continuation of the national high-density strategy to combat serious and violent crime. According to Mpumalanga SAPS, the week-long operation from 30 September to 4 October 2026 focused on known hotspots in Mbombela, White River, Barberton, Nelspruit and surrounding areas.
During Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga, police arrested 1108 suspects for various offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary and drug-related crimes. The operation also led to the arrest of 18 undocumented persons and significant seizures linked to illegal mining activities.
Operation Vala Umgodi, which forms part of Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga, consists of a multidisciplinary team from different police units tasked with acting against illegal mining in Barberton and other parts of Mpumalanga. This team worked together with detectives, visible policing units and crime intelligence to track wanted suspects.
As part of Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga, police recovered 14 firearms, 506 rounds of ammunition, 3 explosives and various quantities of drugs as seen in the image above. Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner confirmed that high-density operations will continue across the province.
Residents in Mbombela and the Lowveld are urged to cooperate with police at roadblocks and to report criminal activities anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga will remain active throughout October.
For more Operation Shanela II Mpumalanga updates from Mbombela and the Lowveld, follow myLOWVELD.net for exclusive crime news.
