Operation Shanela continues to bear fruit, with several suspects arrested for drug-related offences in Amersfoort and Vosman on 25 July 2025.

In Amersfoort, a 37-year-old man was arrested at around 15h30 after intelligence-led coordination between police officers and the Standerton K9 Unit. The suspect, believed to be dealing in drugs, was found in possession of 34 sachets of suspected nyaope, 13 tablets of suspected mandrax, and 16 packets of suspected crystal meth. The estimated street value of the drugs is approximately R4,600.

The suspect is set to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on 28 July 2025, facing charges of possession of drugs.

Meanwhile, in Vosman, police operations involving the Middelburg K9 Unit, Anti-Hijacking and Tracking Team, and Middelburg Highway Patrol led to the arrest of two more suspects on the same day. A 33-year-old was caught with two sachets of suspected crystal meth and five tablets of suspected mandrax worth an estimated R2,000. A 45-year-old suspect was found with 96 units of suspected drugs concealed in a green plastic bag, with a street value estimated at R4,800.

Both suspects are due to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on 28 July 2025.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the teams involved. “These results demonstrate our commitment to combat drug trafficking and safeguard communities,” said the General.