A total of 690 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela II, a province-wide crime-fighting initiative conducted across Mpumalanga from 4 to 8 June 2026.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the operation was carried out in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, government departments, community structures and security partners. Activities included patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, the tracing of wanted suspects and compliance inspections at businesses, liquor outlets, farms and mines.
The arrests were linked to a range of offences, including murder, rape, assault, robbery, carjacking, drug-related crimes, the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illicit mining, immigration-related offences and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the operation, police also recovered firearms, ammunition, explosives, drugs, contraband goods, counterfeit cigarettes, liquor, precious metals, vehicles and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended all stakeholders involved in the operation and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to intensifying crime-fighting efforts to improve safety across the province.
Operation Shanela remains one of SAPS’ key initiatives aimed at disrupting criminal activity and increasing law enforcement visibility in communities throughout South Africa.