Guns, drugs and explosives seized as Shanela II nets 1 018 arrests
A multi-agency crime sweep across the province nets illicit drugs, explosives, and unlicensed liquor, while hundreds face charges ranging from murder to assault.
A major crime-fighting blitz in Mpumalanga has seen police and law enforcement agencies seize guns, ammunition, explosives, drugs, precious metals and thousands of counterfeit goods, while 1 018 people were arrested during Operation Shanela II.
The operation was carried out from September 3 to 6 by police together with various law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
Weapons, explosives and drugs seized
According to police, the biggest haul included 13 handguns, one rifle and 414 rounds of ammunition. Police also seized explosives consisting of 50 electric detonators, 80 blasting cartridges and 32 connector cords.
The operation also uncovered a significant drug haul, including approximately 194.8kg of dagga, along with crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine (Tik), nyaope, ecstasy powder and Mandrax powder.
Police further seized 2 347 counterfeit goods, 15kg of precious metals, 369.19 litres of liquor and 287 packets of tobacco products. Contraband valued at approximately R1.71m was also confiscated, together with three computers.
Suspects face serious charges
The operation was not only about seizures, however; police also targeted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes.
Among the 1 018 arrests were 11 people arrested for murder, 15 for attempted murder and 20 for rape. Police also arrested 189 people for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and 91 for common assault.
A further 96 people were arrested for driving under the influence, 62 for possession of drugs, 13 for illegal possession of firearms and 15 for illegal possession of ammunition.
Police also arrested 21 people for possession of precious metals, 59 illegal migrants and three people for illicit mining.
Read more here: Mpumalanga police arrest 1 145 suspects during recent Operation Shanela II
More than 1 000 people were arrested for various offences during a four-day Operation Shanela II across Mpumalanga
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) September 2, 2026
Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/eAbz6oFknP
The suspects are all expected to appear in various magistrates’ courts across the province soon.
As part of the operation, police searched 216 premises and 3 519 vehicles, while 15 unlicensed liquor premises were closed down.
The SAPS in Mpumalanga says high-density and intelligence-driven operations will continue across the province as police work to prevent and combat crime.
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