Police officers conduct roadside checks during Operation Shanela II in Mpumalanga. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga.
Police operations across Mpumalanga resulted in 923 arrests, the recovery of six illegal firearms and the confiscation of more than 225 kilograms of dagga during a four-day crime prevention operation.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), working alongside other law enforcement agencies, conducted Operation Shanela II across the province's three districts from Thursday, 5 November, to Sunday, 8 November 2026.
According to a statement issued by SAPS Mpumalanga on 8 November, officers carried out 14,891 policing actions, including searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, patrols and operations to trace wanted suspects.
Hundreds Arrested for Various Offences
Among the 923 arrests were 151 undocumented foreign nationals, 71 suspects accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 21 suspects linked to rape cases, 17 arrested for murder and 20 for illicit mining.
Police also traced and arrested 46 wanted suspects, including six wanted for murder and 17 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Firearms, Drugs and Other Items Seized
During the operations, police recovered six illegal firearms, 38 rounds of ammunition and a Super 90 blasting cartridge.
Officers also confiscated 225.4 kilograms of dagga, 88 grams of nyaope, 16.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 5.2 grams of heroin and six grams of crack cocaine, along with other drugs.
An evidence bag containing tablets photographed during Operation Shanela II in Mpumalanga. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga.
In operations targeting illegal mining and related activities, police recovered 368.3 kilograms of precious metals. Twenty suspects were arrested for possession of gold-bearing material, while another ten were arrested for possession of precious metals.
Illegal Liquor Outlets Closed
Nine unlicensed liquor outlets were closed during the operation, while officers confiscated 265 packets of illicit cigarettes and 282 counterfeit goods.
Other recoveries included 11 vehicles, 7.8 kilograms of copper cable, R6,460 in cash and illegally imported goods valued at R30,250.
Small wrapped packets photographed among items recovered during Operation Shanela II in Mpumalanga. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga.
Police conducted 15 roadblocks, 85 vehicle checkpoints, 3,998 patrols and 675 high-visibility patrols as part of the operation.
Festive Season Operations to Continue
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended police officers and participating law enforcement agencies for their efforts.
She emphasised that crime prevention operations would continue throughout the festive season to help ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Members of the public are encouraged to report criminal activities through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App. SAPS said all information provided would be treated confidentially.