The Middelburg Flying Squad has made a significant impact in reducing criminal activity on the two highways running through eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, arresting 10 suspects in two days.

In the latest incident, two suspects were arrested and appeared before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, after reportedly being found in possession of three unlicensed firearms with ammunition on the N12 freeway next to Phola.

In another incident, eight suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen copper cables. They appeared before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The arrests form part of the unit’s Operation Shanela.

The police will continue to be on high alert and, through Operation Shanela, more successes will be achieved, says provincial spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli.

“The aim is to reinforce the authority of the state, thereby ensuring that everyone is safe ahead, during and beyond the festive season,” he adds.