Operation Shanela II is open in full blast in the province.

This multi-agency law enforcement crew has delivered a significant blow to criminal networks across Mpumalanga.

Conducted between January 22 and January 25, the criminal felt one blow after the other as the crew pounced on them.

The operation saw a seamless collaboration between the police, traffic police, Home Affairs, Health, Correctional Services, CoGTA, private security companies and Community Policing Forums.

During the operation 156 premises were visited and searched, 1 914 people and 912 vehicles were searched and 1 049 stop-and-search operations and 1 335 patrols conducted.

A massive 180 vehicle checkpoints and 39 roadblocks were set up and 4 209 high-visibility patrols conducted.

Liquor outlets also had a visit and 15 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed.

Two notices were issued to non-compliant second-hand dealers.
Furthermore, 58 spaza shops and 45 formal businesses were audited for labour-law compliance.

Twenty one farms were visited through joint operations with the Departments of Home Affairs and Labour.

Ten mines also got an unsuspected visit.

Police gives crime a ‘drag’ with R1.3m cigarette busthttps://t.co/y2mhLYPLf4 #witbanknews #SAPS #crime #Emalahleni pic.twitter.com/tmy0xlufAy

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) December 20, 2025

The crackdown resulted in the seizure of drugs, ammunition, dangerous weapons, and contraband cigarettes.

Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner, lauded the joint effort, stating that these results reaffirm the commitment to “decisive, intelligence-driven policing” to ensure safer communities.

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