Operation Shanela Nets Major Crimes

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Operation Shanela II has delivered a major crime breakthrough across Mpumalanga, with hundreds of suspects arrested and significant illegal items confiscated during province-wide operations conducted between 19 and 22 February 2026.

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The multi-agency operation was led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and supported by Traffic Police, law enforcement agencies, the Departments of Home Affairs, Health, Labour, Social Development, Small Business Development and Correctional Services, as well as private security companies and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

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Extensive operations across the province

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During the four-day operation:

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• 137 premises were searched

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• 7 132 people and 2 375 vehicles were searched

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• 844 stop-and-search operations were conducted

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• 6 specialised tracking operations took place

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• 3 556 high-visibility patrols were conducted, including vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks and tracing operations

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• 8 hostels, 155 farms, 6 mines and multiple businesses were inspected

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Compliance operations led to the closure of unlicensed liquor outlets, inspections of licensed liquor traders, scrap yards, second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, spaza shops, formal businesses, farms and informal traders.

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Arrests and serious crimes

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Dozens of wanted suspects were arrested during raids for serious offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offences, assault GBH, carjacking and illegal possession of firearms.

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In total, arrests were made for a wide range of offences, including:

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• Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition

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• Drug dealing and drug possession

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• Illegal liquor trading

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• Possession of counterfeit goods

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• Illegal cigarettes

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• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

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• Human trafficking

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• Business robbery, armed robbery, burglary and hijacking

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• Murder, rape and assault-related crimes

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More than 80 illegal immigrants were also arrested during the operation.

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Major seizures

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Large quantities of illegal items were confiscated, including:

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• Firearms (handguns, rifles and shotguns)

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• Ammunition and explosives

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• Drugs such as dagga, crack cocaine, crystal meth (tik) and nyaope

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• Counterfeit and contraband goods valued at over R1.1 million

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• Alcohol, tobacco products, dangerous weapons, cellphones, cash and vehicles

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