The South African Police Service (SAPS) ongoing nationwide crime-fighting operations have resulted in the arrest of 15 884 suspects for various crimes between 13 and 19 April 2026.
The operations also involved intelligence-driven raids conducted by detectives to trace and arrest of 1 822 wanted suspects linked to murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, assault GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm), house and business robberies.
“Among those arrested are two Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality senior officials on charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating and or obstructing the ends of justice. These suspects appeared before the Boksburg Magistrate's Court on Monday,” the police said in a statement.
The police are also intensifying operations targeted at combating the trade of illicit cigarettes. These efforts aim to curb the smuggling, distribution and sale of illegal tobacco products.
On 17 April 2026, police successfully intercepted a truck loaded with illicit cigarettes along the Molatedi Road in Mabeskraal, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old Botswana national for possession of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of over R2 million.
In addition, the police arrested a 44-year-old man and confiscated illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of R1 663 045 during a stop-and-search operation conducted at Muswodi village, in Limpopo, on 16 April 2026.
Other key arrests include:
- 115 – Murder
- 128 – Attempted Murder
- 179 – Rape and 5 – Attempted rape
- 1 258 – Assault GBH
- 508 – Possession of dangerous weapons
- 95 – Illegal possession of ammunitions
- 330 – Dealing in drugs
- 2 856 – Possession of drugs (WC-1 845)
- 757 – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- 871 – Illegally dealing in liquor
- 1 767 – Illegal immigration-related offenses
Confiscation/recoveries:
- 128 illegal firearms confiscated
- 1 247 rounds of ammunition
- 859 dangerous weapons
- 52 stolen and hijacked vehicles recovered
- More than 41 000 litres of alcohol seized
Highlights of provincial breakdowns:
In Gauteng, a Tactical Response Team intercepted a hijacked vehicle with false plates on 13 April 2026 in Sebokeng.
The suspects opened fire, leading to a chase and shootout. The suspect's vehicle overturned, and both died at the scene.
Police confiscated a firearm and explosives. They confirmed that the vehicle was stolen in Carletonville (January 2026).
In addition, two suspects were arrested for an ATM bombing on 15 April 2026. One was found with dye-stained cash in Orlando East and the other with explosives in Diepkloof.
Both were linked to the Kliprivier ATM bombing (February 2026). They are facing charges of possession of explosives and suspected stolen money.
Police also recovered two unlicensed 9mm pistols and 92 rounds of ammunition from four suspects in Jeppe, Johannesburg, on 13 April 2026. The suspects, aged between 23 and 37, were arrested.
Meanwhile, in Mpumalanga, police arrested three suspects in April for extorting workers at the Tekwane West dumping site, demanding “protection fees.”
In addition, police in KwaZulu-Natal arrested six suspects in Umhlali for evading arrest for a shootout that took place on 28 March 2026.
They have been linked to the murder of a 52-year-old farmer in Riet Valley and multiple robberies. -SAnews.gov.za
