Operation Shanela II has delivered significant law-enforcement gains across Mpumalanga, with hundreds of arrests and major confiscations recorded between 29 January and 1 February 2026.

The multi-agency operation, coordinated by the South African Police Service (SAPS), brought together Traffic Police, law-enforcement agencies, the South African National Defence Force, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, private security and Community Policing Forums.

During the operation, officers searched 399 premises, stopped and searched more than 3,000 people and over 1,200 vehicles, and conducted extensive patrols, roadblocks and checkpoints across the province. Detectives also traced 11 wanted suspects, while specialised teams carried out tracking operations and hostel searches.

Compliance inspections formed a key part of the operation. Police closed one unlicensed liquor outlet and inspected more than 220 licensed outlets. Inspections were also carried out at second-hand dealers, scrap yards, firearm-holding institutions, farms, mines and both formal and informal businesses to ensure compliance with labour and safety laws.

Arrests were made for a wide range of serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, armed robbery, carjacking, assault and burglary. Police also arrested suspects for drug-related crimes, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, dealing in illicit liquor, driving under the influence, and immigration offences. In total, more than 100 undocumented immigrants were detained.

Large quantities of drugs were seized, including over two tonnes of dagga, along with crack cocaine, crystal meth, nyaope and mandrax. Police also confiscated firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons, fireworks, illegal cigarettes, contraband goods, copper cables and several vehicles.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the operation’s outcomes, saying the results demonstrated the impact of integrated, intelligence-driven policing.

“These outcomes send a strong message that crime will not be tolerated. We remain resolute in our mandate to protect the people of Mpumalanga and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

Police have indicated that similar high-impact operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and restore order in communities across the province.