MPUMALANGA – More than a thousand suspects were arrested during a four-day crime-fighting operation conducted across the province between June 18 and 21.

The initiative, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) with support from law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, resulted in the recovery of firearms, drugs and other items linked to criminal activity.

Authorities carried out search operations, roadblocks, patrols, compliance inspections and the tracing of wanted suspects.

According to SAPS, those arrested were linked to liquor and drug-related offences, violent crime, illegal migration, illicit mining, and crimes involving firearms and ammunition.

Officers also confiscated firearms, ammunition, liquor, drugs, contraband goods, counterfeit items, precious metals, vehicles and other suspected proceeds of crime.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended members and stakeholders for their contribution to the operation, praising their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in communities across the province.