Police in Mpumalanga arrested more than 1 300 suspects and seized illicit goods during Operation Shanela II from September 17 to 20.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, the operations included tracing of wanted suspects, stop-and-searches, raiding of illegal liquor outlets, vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks.

“The arrests included 25 murder suspects, 13 attempted murder suspects, 25 rape suspects, 177 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 15 for aggravated robbery, 85 for possession of drugs, 63 for illicit mining and 156 undocumented migrants,” she said.

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Magagula added that police also arrested eight suspects for illegal possession of firearms and five for illegal possession of ammunition.

The detectives traced and arrested 118 wanted suspects, while 20 unlicensed liquor premises were closed, with fines issued.

Arms, drugs and vehicles seized

Confiscations and recoveries included 21 firearms, 135 rounds of ammunition, 60.05kg of dagga, 36g of crack cocaine, 1 024g of crystal meth, 180.65g of nyaope and 3 310 litres of alcoholic beverages.

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Police further confiscated 6 504 counterfeit goods, 125kg of precious metals, 15kg of copper/copper cables, 1 399 tobacco products, 19 vehicles and contraband valued at about R2 274 950.

Public urged to report crime

Members of the public are urged to report criminal activities to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app.

Lieutenant General Modise reiterated that police will continue to conduct high-density and intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and community structures to enhance the safety of communities.