Following a number of gun-related murders in or near taverns in Mkhuhlu and surrounding settlements, police have embarked on a high-density operation in these areas.

The operation, dubbedOperation Shanela 11, is led by Ehlanzeni district police commissioner, Major General Dorah Xaba.

“The high-density operation includes stop-and-search activities as well as compliance inspections at taverns and spaza shops. The multidisciplinary team comprises SAPS members from Visible Policing, Crime Investigation Services, Public Order Policing, as well as members from Traffic and Community in Blue,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.

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She said the operation aims to enhance public safety, enforce compliance with relevant legislation, and strengthen co-operation between law enforcement agencies and community members.

The operation started on Wednesday, June 3, and Nonyane-Mpe said it could not yet be confirmed when it would come to an end.

The area falls under the Calcutta policing precinct and has recorded at least eight gun-related murders in May alone.
In a seperate operation, police arrested 16 suspects for various offences in Pilgrim’s Rest on Wednesday, June 3.

“The suspects were arrested for offences including contravention of the Immigration Act, Liquor Act and Road Traffic Act, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, selling without a permit at a spaza shop, business robbery, as well as possession of illicit cigarettes, dagga and a toy gun,” said Nonyane-Mpe.

She also confirmed that various operations will continue across the province.