A total of 1 327 suspects were arrested during a high-impact, multi-departmental crime-fighting blitz held across the province between 16 and 19 October. The latest phase of Operation Shanela II saw police intensify efforts to curb criminal activity in Mpumalanga, working alongside various law enforcement agencies and government departments.

During the four-day operation, authorities conducted 12 475 actions, which included searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, and compliance inspections at businesses, farms and mines. Police searched more than 7 600 people, 362 premises, 1 679 vehicles, and held 214 vehicle checkpoints as well as 14 roadblocks.

The crackdown also led to 31 successful arrest raids targeting wanted suspects, including four linked to rape and nine facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Offences for which arrests were made include murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, illicit mining, illegal immigration, human trafficking and driving under the influence. A significant number of arrests – 198 – were related to drunk driving, while 103 people were arrested for immigration-related offences.

Police also confiscated large quantities of illegal items, including 501 litres of alcohol, 140 rounds of ammunition, 15 handguns, 4 rifles, 55 Mandrax tablets, dagga, crystal meth and nyaope. Counterfeit goods, contraband, copper cables, precious metals and 17 vehicles were also recovered.