Image: One of the 13 unlicensed firearms recovered by police during Operation Shanela 2.
A total of 1 443 suspects were arrested across Mpumalanga during Operation Shanela 2, conducted between 3 and 5 July 2026, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
During the high-density operation, police also recovered 13 unlicensed firearms and 94 rounds of ammunition. SAPS said the recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether they may have been used in the commission of other crimes.
Of those arrested, 412 suspects were detained for alleged contraventions of South Africa’s Immigration Act, while 49 wanted suspects were traced and arrested by detectives. Further arrests were made during roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and compliance inspections at illegal liquor outlets.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended members for their dedication and urged police to continue with high-density operations aimed at ensuring communities across the province are and feel safe. The arrested suspects were expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts on Monday, 6 July 2026.