Law enforcement agencies across all three Mpumalanga districts targeted priority crimes and traced wanted suspects during the high-density Operation Shanela II between Thursday, August 20 and Sunday, August 23.

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SAPS, in collaboration with partner agencies, arrested 1 145 suspects during the provincial crackdown. The operations focused on priority crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug-related offences, illicit mining, possession of gold-bearing material and other serious violent crimes.

High-visibility operations target priority crimes

Activities conducted during the crackdown included roadblocks, vehicle control points, stop-and-searches, high-visibility patrols, tracing of wanted suspects, and compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, liquor outlets and local businesses.

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Illicit goods seized as suspects face court

Police recovered firearms, ammunition, drugs, copper cables, counterfeit goods and suspected stolen vehicles during the sweeps. Suspects were arrested for various offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, drug dealing, illicit mining, illegal liquor trade, possession of suspected stolen property and driving under the influence of alcohol.

All arrested suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts across the province.