A major law enforcement initiative, Operation Shanela II, has led to numerous arrests, seizures, and inspections across Mpumalanga. The operation, which ran from 8 to 11 January, involved the South African Police Service (SAPS), Traffic Police, law enforcement agencies, and several government departments, including Home Affairs, Health, and Correctional Services, alongside private security and community policing forums.

During the operation, authorities conducted:

• 72 premises searches and visits

• 5 623 people and 1 789 vehicles screened

• 1 258 patrols and 546 stop-and-searches

• 101 vehicle checkpoints and 28 roadblocks

• 3 240 patrols across the province

• Tracing of 111 wanted suspects

• Searches of 17 hostels

Businesses and commercial operations were also inspected, with nine unlicensed liquor outlets closed, 240 licensed liquor outlets checked, 45 second-hand dealers inspected, and 578 informal businesses, including spaza shops, scrutinised for labour-law compliance. Additionally, 160 farms and 23 mines were visited.

The operation resulted in arrests for a wide range of crimes, including:

• 224 for assault with grievous bodily harm

• 256 for driving under the influence

• 186 for illegal liquor dealing

• 51 for drug possession and 17 for drug dealing

• 12 for murder and 28 for rape

• 108 illegal immigrants detained

Significant items were confiscated during the operation, including 55 kg of dagga, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, 166.7 litres of alcohol, 65.7 kg of precious metals, 3 028 counterfeit items, cash amounting to R45 400, and several vehicles and firearms.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi praised officers and stakeholders for their “dedication and professionalism,” while also thanking law-abiding community members for their support.

“Together, we will continue to intensify our efforts to create a safer and more secure Mpumalanga for all,” he said