MPUMALANGA – A total of 1,108 people were arrested during a five-day crime-fighting operation across Mpumalanga, which also resulted in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, explosives, drugs and other suspected illicit goods.
Operation Shanela II was conducted from 30 September to 4 October by the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.
According to SAPS, those arrested included 24 suspects wanted for murder, 13 for rape and 14 for aggravated robbery.
Police also arrested 11 people for alleged illegal possession of firearms, 13 for illegal possession of ammunition and three for alleged illegal possession of explosives.
A further 63 people were arrested for possession of drugs and seven for dealing in drugs.
The operation targeted offences including illegal mining, immigration violations and alcohol-related offences. SAPS said 123 undocumented or illegal migrants were arrested, along with 11 people for illicit mining and 106 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Assault-related offences accounted for a significant number of arrests, with 183 people arrested for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and 94 for common assault.
Police also arrested suspects in connection with malicious damage to property, residential burglary, theft from motor vehicles, vehicle theft, business robbery and robbery at residential premises.
One person was arrested in connection with human trafficking.
Detectives tracked down wanted suspects during the operation, with SAPS reporting 52 arrests. These included people sought in connection with murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and illegal possession of firearms.
Police recovered 14 handguns, two shotguns and 506 rounds of ammunition.
Explosives recovered included two super blasting cartridges, two detonator cords and two connector fuses.
Other items seized included 1,538 suspected counterfeit goods, contraband valued at approximately R702,565, 15 litres of liquor, six dangerous weapons and three kilograms of copper or copper cables.
Four unlicensed liquor premises were also shut down.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise welcomed the results, saying the operation demonstrated the importance of continued joint efforts to tackle crime.
“The results of these operations demonstrate the importance of sustained, intelligence-driven and high-density policing operations,” Modise said.
He said police would continue targeting people involved in serious and violent crime.
“Our message is that there will be no safe haven for those who threaten the safety and security of the people,” he said.
SAPS said Operation Shanela II would continue as part of efforts to prevent and combat crime across the province.
