Police in Mpumalanga arrested 1 089 suspects and recovered 22 illegal firearms during Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela II, conducted across the province from Thursday, 29 October, to Sunday, 1 November 2026.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers conducted 16 925 operational actions across all three districts, including roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and high-visibility patrols.
The operations also resulted in the arrest of 102 wanted suspects and the closure of 19 unlicensed liquor premises.
Breakdown of Arrests
Among those arrested were:
- 129 undocumented foreign nationals
- 106 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- 103 for common assault
- 95 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- 79 for drug possession
- 24 for rape
- 17 for illegal firearm possession
- 15 for illicit mining
- 14 for illegal dealing in liquor
- 12 for murder
- 11 for possession of counterfeit goods
- 10 for human trafficking
- 7 for attempted murder
Other arrests involved robbery, burglary and various additional offences.
Firearms, Drugs and Illegal Goods Seized
Police confiscated 22 firearms, including 17 handguns and five rifles, along with 384 rounds of ammunition.
Other seizures included 420 kilograms of dagga, 517 dagga plants, various illegal drugs, 50 kilograms of copper, 19 vehicles and 3 408 counterfeit goods.
Illegally imported goods valued at R301 150 and R18 619 in cash were also confiscated.
Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended officers and participating stakeholders for their efforts, reaffirming that intelligence-driven operations and increased police visibility would continue throughout the festive season.
Members of the public are encouraged to report criminal activities through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App.