Operation Shanela Nets 785 Suspects in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga police have reported a successful week of law enforcement, with 785 suspects arrested across the province between 8 and 14 September 2025. The arrests were made during Operation Shanela II, which ran alongside major events hosted in the province.

The high-profile gatherings included the G20 Framework Working Group and Ministerial meeting held at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park, as well as the MTN8 Final Soccer Match in Mbombela. Despite the scale of these events, police ensured that routine operations continued across all three districts: Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala.

The arrests were linked to a wide range of offences, including drug possession and dealing, murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Others were apprehended for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, contraventions of the Immigration Act, and violations of the Liquor Act.

Confiscated items during the operation included 10 firearms, 24 vehicles, a variety of drugs such as crystal meth, nyaope, cocaine and heroin, as well as 987 litres of liquor and 275 litres of suspected stolen fuel.

The suspects are expected to appear in various courts across the province. Police confirmed that Operation Shanela II will continue this week, with activities including stop-and-searches, vehicle checkpoints, compliance inspections, liquor outlet visits, and patrols in public areas.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the efforts of law enforcement officers and thanked law-abiding citizens for their cooperation.

“We remain committed to ensuring that communities are and feel safe. We also appreciate the support from our National Head Office and other law enforcement partners, especially during the G20 event,” he said.