Image: A police officer conducts a search during Operation Shanela 2 | Photo: SAPS
More than 1 100 suspects were arrested across Mpumalanga during the latest Operation Shanela 2 and other crime-combating operations conducted over the weekend, with police also recovering 12 unlicensed firearms.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the arrests included 54 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 16 for murder, 18 for rape, 50 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 111 undocumented foreign nationals. Additional arrests were made for serious offences including attempted murder, armed robbery, car hijacking and house robbery.
The provincial operation was led by Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, who was joined at a roadblock in the Calcutta policing precinct by Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie, as well as senior SAPS officials.
Police confirmed that some of the arrested suspects were released after paying admission of guilt fines, while others are expected to appear in various magistrates' courts across Mpumalanga on Monday, 20 July 2026. SAPS said Operation Shanela 2 forms part of its ongoing efforts to combat crime and improve public safety throughout the province.