Police arrest 787 suspects in Mpumalanga Shanela operation
A total of 787 suspects were arrested during the intelligence-driven Operation Shanela 2 conducted across Mpumalanga.
A three-day police operation across Mpumalanga has led to the arrest of 787 people for offences including murder, drug possession, and immigration violations.
Between July 24 and July 26, Operation Shanela 2 targeted crime hotspots across every district, with police launching co-ordinated raids, hunting down wanted fugitives, dismantling illegal operations, and disrupting violent criminal activity.
Breakdown of arrests
The operation saw 58 undocumented immigrants arrested for contravening immigration laws, while 50 suspects were arrested for drug possession and another 50 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police also tracked down 40 wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes, while hundreds of litres of illegal alcohol were confiscated and several liquor outlets were shut down for operating unlawfully.
Ongoing operations
Further arrests were made for offences including murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of explosives.
Police have vowed that Operation Shanela 2 will continue across Mpumalanga as authorities intensify efforts to squeeze criminal networks and ensure communities remain safe.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in various magistrates’ courts across the province today, July 27.
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