Operation Shanela II has delivered a major blow against crime in Mpumalanga, following a province-wide law-enforcement operation conducted between 5 and 8 February 2026.

The coordinated operation brought together multiple stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Traffic Police, various law-enforcement agencies, the Departments of Home Affairs, Health, Labour and Correctional Services, private security companies, and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

During the operation, law-enforcement teams carried out extensive activities across the province. A total of 275 premises were searched, while 4 285 people and 1 975 vehicles were stopped and searched. Police also conducted 1 106 stop-and-search operations, six specialised tracking operations, and 3 474 high-visibility patrols, which included 109 vehicle checkpoints, 26 roadblocks and 2 262 patrols. Detectives conducted 93 tracing operations for wanted suspects, and six hostels were searched.

Significant compliance and inspection operations were also undertaken. Six unlicensed liquor outlets were closed, while 282 licensed liquor outlets were inspected. Police inspected 91 second-hand dealers, issuing two notices for non-compliance, and visited 25 scrap yards and recyclers. Firearm compliance inspections were conducted at both non-official and official institutions, including private security companies and state facilities.

Labour-law compliance inspections were carried out at 132 informal businesses, including spaza shops, and 22 formal businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors. Joint operations with the Departments of Home Affairs and Labour saw 78 farms and one mine inspected, while enforcement actions were also conducted in terms of the SASREA and Regulation of Gatherings Act.

Numerous arrests were made during the operation, including wanted suspects linked to serious crimes such as murder, rape, carjacking, assault GBH and illegal possession of firearms. Additional arrests were recorded for a wide range of offences, including drug dealing and possession, illegal liquor trading, possession of dangerous weapons, firearm and ammunition offences, serious violent crimes, burglary, driving under the influence, and human trafficking. A total of 70 illegal immigrants were also arrested.

Large quantities of illegal items were confiscated, including drugs, firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons, alcohol, copper cables, cash, contraband goods and vehicles. Drug seizures included dagga, crack cocaine, crystal meth (tik), nyaope, mandrax tablets and mandrax powder.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised all law-enforcement agencies and stakeholders for the successful execution of the operation.

He said the sustained, integrated approach demonstrated SAPS’ unwavering commitment to decisively combat crime and restore safety and order across Mpumalanga.

Operation Shanela II is expected to continue strengthening visible policing, community safety and coordinated crime prevention efforts throughout the province.