Image: Law-enforcement officers and stakeholders in Ermelo prepare for Operation Shanela II. | SAPS Mpumalanga.
More than 600 suspects were arrested across Mpumalanga during Operation Shanela II, conducted from 13 to 16 August 2026.
According to the SAPS, the 603 arrests were linked to various offences, including murder, rape, assault, robbery, attempted murder, burglary, illegal immigration, firearm offences, drug-related crimes, illicit mining and possession of counterfeit goods.
Police also seized firearms, ammunition, explosives, dangerous weapons, drugs, fuel, precious metals, counterfeit goods, tobacco products, liquor and other illicit items. Several unlicensed liquor premises were closed during the operation.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the police officers, law-enforcement agencies and government stakeholders involved. Operation Shanela II will continue across the province, with a focus on priority crimes and activities threatening community safety.