SAPS arrest 1 035 suspects in Mpumalanga
SAPS arrested more than 1 000 people across Mpumalanga during Operation Shanela II, with suspects facing various charges.
A total of 1 035 people were arrested for various offences during a four-day multidisciplinary Operation Shanela II conducted by the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies across Mpumalanga.
The operation, which ran from August 27 to 30, focused heavily on serious and organised criminal activity, with police conducting high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, premises searches and tracing operations targeting wanted suspects.
Wide range of offences targeted
Among the offences for which arrests were made were murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault and burglary.
Police also arrested suspects in connection with illicit mining, illegal immigration, drug-related offences, illegal dealing in liquor, and the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
The operation further included compliance inspections at liquor outlets, businesses, farms and mines, with several unlicensed liquor premises subsequently closed.
Contraband and weapons seized
In addition to the arrests, police seized firearms and ammunition; drugs, including cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and mandrax; liquor; precious metals; gold-bearing material; counterfeit goods; illegal cigarettes; and dangerous weapons.
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended officers and other participating stakeholders for their efforts in combating crime.
Operations set to continue
Modise reiterated that Operation Shanela II will continue across the province, with police focusing on disrupting criminal activities and targeting illegal firearms, drugs, illicit mining, illegal liquor outlets and other crimes affecting communities.
The SAPS urged members of the public to report criminal activities and provide information that could assist in the fight against crime.
Crime can be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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