Eleven suspects were arrested during Operation Safer Festive Season following crime-prevention activities conducted in parts of Mpumalanga, including Volksrust and Kwamhlanga.

According to a media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, police carried out compliance operations on 20 January 2026 in the Volksrust area. The operation focused on stop-and-search actions, vehicle checks and inspections at liquor outlets to curb drug-related crime, illegal trading and other offences.

During the operation, six suspects aged between 20 and 45 were arrested. Three men were found in possession of drugs, including crystal meth, mandrax and heroin, with an estimated street value of R27,000. The suspects — Nqaba Sithole (32), Sandile Khumalo (33) and Menzi Khumalo (25) — appeared before the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of drugs. The drugs were confiscated, and the suspects were released pending forensic laboratory results.

In the same area, three foreign nationals were arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes and contravention of the Immigration Act. The illicit cigarettes are estimated to be worth approximately R370,000. Two of the suspects were granted bail of R10,000 each, while one remained in custody. They are expected to reappear in court on 9 February 2026.

Meanwhile, in the Kwamhlanga and Tweefontein areas, five suspects aged between 23 and 55 were arrested on 19 January 2026 during continued Operation Safer Festive activities. Suspects were charged with various offences, including contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of illicit cigarettes, illicit liquor and drugs.

During these operations, police seized illicit cigarettes, drugs, dagga, cash and various alcoholic beverages. Suspects charged under the Immigration Act appeared in the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Detectives are working closely with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of those arrested.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, reiterated the police’s commitment to fighting crime and ensuring community safety.