SAPS members during Operation Shanela II. Photo: SAPS
More than 1 000 suspects were arrested across Mpumalanga in just three days as Operation Shanela II intensified its province-wide crime-fighting efforts from 3 to 6 September.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the multi-disciplinary operation resulted in 1 018 arrests for offences ranging from murder, rape and assault to drug possession, illegal firearms, illicit mining and immigration-related offences.
Among those arrested were 11 suspects for murder, 15 for attempted murder, 20 for rape, 189 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 91 for common assault and 96 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police also arrested 62 people for possession of drugs, 13 for illegal possession of firearms, 15 for illegal possession of ammunition, 21 for possession of precious metals and 59 illegal migrants.
During the operation, officers searched 216 premises and 3 519 vehicles, while 15 unlicensed liquor premises were closed.
Police confiscated 13 handguns, one rifle, 414 rounds of ammunition, explosives including electric detonators and blasting cartridges, approximately 194.8kg of dagga and various other drugs.
A further 2 347 counterfeit items, 15kg of precious metals, more than 369 litres of liquor, 287 packets of tobacco products and contraband valued at approximately R1.71 million were also seized.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended police members and other stakeholders involved in the operation for their continued efforts to combat crime across the province.