Mpumalanga police have arrested 253 suspects during a province-wide high-density operation aimed at clamping down on crime. Operation Shanela II, which ran from 17 to 21 September, focused on hotspots and high-risk areas across the province.

The arrests were made for a range of offences, including assault, drug-related crimes and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During the five-day campaign, police conducted 93 separate operations, which included 16 roadblocks, 2 823 vehicle searches, 6 756 person searches, 3 835 patrols, and 1 188 stop-and-searches.

The breakdown of arrests showed 105 assault cases, 38 drug-related cases, and 25 drivers caught under the influence. A total of 217 J534 notices were issued, and seven traffic fines were recorded.

Police also confiscated 74,27 kg of drugs, uncovered a drug laboratory worth an estimated R350 million, seized 12 illegal firearms, and removed more than 1 200 litres of liquor.

A total of 776 compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, firearm dealers and second-hand goods stores.

Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the coordinated effort:
“These operations are part of our sustained effort to root out criminal activities. The public must be aware that SAPS members are deployed across the province — criminals will have nowhere to hide.”

He further commended the cooperation of private security, community members and other stakeholders, saying their tip-offs remain vital in the fight against crime.