A total of 1 145 suspects have been arrested across Mpumalanga during a four-day high-density crime-fighting operation targeting serious and violent offences, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
Operation Shanela II was conducted between Thursday, 20 August and Sunday, 23 August 2026, across all three districts of the province, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
Police focused on priority crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug-related offences, illicit mining and the possession of gold-bearing material.
The operation included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols and the tracing of wanted suspects.
Police and their partners also carried out compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, liquor outlets and formal and informal businesses.
According to the SAPS, firearms and ammunition, drugs, copper cables, counterfeit goods and suspected stolen vehicles were among the items recovered during the operations.
The suspects face a range of charges, including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, drug possession and dealing, illicit mining and the illegal sale of liquor.
Others were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and driving under the influence of alcohol.
All those arrested are expected to appear before various magistrate's courts across the province.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, praised police officers, partner law enforcement agencies and community members for their role in the operation.
“Through Operation Shanela II, police and other law enforcement agencies continue to bring forth positive results and this demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fighting crime and stamping the authority of the state in our communities,” Modise said.
She said the arrests and recoveries demonstrated the police’s determination to disrupt criminal networks and prevent criminals from operating in communities.
Modise also thanked participating members, sister departments and other stakeholders for their “dedication, professionalism and teamwork”, while acknowledging residents who provided information to police.
Operation Shanela is part of ongoing high-density policing efforts aimed at increasing police visibility, disrupting criminal activity and targeting wanted suspects and other priority crimes. – SAnews.gov.za
