HOEDSPRUIT – A large-scale crime prevention operation in the Hoedspruit policing area has resulted in the arrest of 80 people for various offences and immigration-related matters.

Hoedspruit SAPS, in partnership with Immigration officials, Farm Watch structures, and E2 Security, led the multidisciplinary operation as part of Operation Shanela II – a national initiative to increase police visibility and target criminal activity in hotspot areas.

Operation ran through the night

The operation started on Friday night, May 15, and continued until early Saturday morning.

46 undocumented foreign nationals detained

According to police, the majority of the arrests were linked to immigration violations, with 46 undocumented foreign nationals detained during the operation.

Authorities also detained 30 juveniles, while Immigration officials verified six passports that were confirmed to be valid.

Shebeen shut down, dagga arrest

Police further confirmed that one illegal shebeen was shut down during the operation and one person was arrested for possession and use of dagga.

Vehicle checkpoints and stop-and-searches

Law enforcement teams carried out several coordinated activities throughout the night as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention measures and improve visibility in the area.

Three Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were established at strategic locations, while officers also conducted two stop-and-search operations in identified hotspot areas.

In total, police searched:

• 100 vehicles
• 200 individuals

Twelve vehicles were also tested as part of compliance and enforcement measures.

Heavy police presence across Hoedspruit

Patrol teams were deployed to various areas across the Hoedspruit precinct, including:

• Shopping complexes
• Liquor outlets
• Filling stations
• Taxi ranks
• Spaza shops
• Farms
• Schools
• Banks
• Health facilities
• Surrounding villages

Residents in parts of Hoedspruit reported a heavy police presence throughout the night as officers moved between targeted areas conducting inspections and searches.

Part of broader provincial efforts

The operation forms part of broader efforts by police in Limpopo to tackle crime, illegal immigration, drug-related offences, and illegal business activities in communities across the province.

Police commissioner welcomes arrests

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrests and praised the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community policing structures, and private security companies.

She said coordinated operations such as Operation Shanela II continue to play an important role in disrupting criminal activities and improving safety in communities.

Rural policing collaboration

The involvement of Farm Watch structures and private security companies has become increasingly important in rural policing areas such as Hoedspruit, where cooperation between communities and law enforcement is often seen as essential in combating stock theft, illegal immigration, and other criminal activities affecting local residents and businesses.

More operations to come

Police indicated that similar operations will continue to be conducted across the province as part of ongoing crime prevention initiatives.