SAPS members conduct a roadblock during Operation Shanela II in Mpumalanga. Photo: SAPS
More than 1 000 people were arrested during a multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela II conducted across Mpumalanga from 27 to 30 August.
According to the South African Police Service, the operation resulted in 1 035 arrests for offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, illicit mining, illegal immigration, drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The operation involved high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, searches of premises, the tracing of wanted suspects and compliance inspections at liquor outlets, businesses, farms and mines.
Police seized firearms, ammunition, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, mandrax, liquor, precious metals, gold-bearing material, counterfeit goods, illicit cigarettes and dangerous weapons. Several unlicensed liquor premises were also closed.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the police members, law-enforcement agencies and other stakeholders who participated in the operation.
She said Operation Shanela II would continue across the province, focusing on disrupting criminal activity and targeting illegal firearms, drugs, illicit mining and unlicensed liquor outlets.
Members of the public can report criminal activity by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or by using the My SAPS mobile application.