Police and other law enforcement officers conduct a roadside operation during Operation Shanela II in Mpumalanga. | Photo: SAPS​
Police and other law enforcement agencies arrested 1,142 suspects across Mpumalanga during Operation Shanela II from 24 to 27 September.
According to SAPS, those arrested included 15 suspects linked to murder, seven to attempted murder, 21 to rape and 114 to assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Officers also arrested 81 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 70 for possession of drugs and 33 for illicit mining.
Packets of dagga seized during Operation Shanela II in Mpumalanga. | Photo: SAPS
Police seized 17 firearms, 709 rounds of ammunition, 108.43kg of dagga and 93 dagga plants, along with other drugs. They also confiscated 14,057 counterfeit items, contraband valued at approximately R1.6 million and 733.4 litres of liquor.
The operation included roadblocks, patrols, searches and efforts to trace wanted suspects. Officers closed 32 unlicensed liquor premises and inspected licensed premises and other businesses for compliance.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the officers and other participants. Police urged residents to report crime through the MySAPS app, at a police station or to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.