Reports Confirmed 2337 Suspects Has Been Arrested, 17 Arrested For Raping & 11 Firearms Confiscated

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has intensified its campaign against criminal activities arresting 2,337 suspects during Operation Shanela II a province-wide crackdown that resulted in firearm seizures, drug confiscations and the recovery of stolen vehicles.

The high-density operations were conducted between 12 and 18 October 2026, with police working alongside other law-enforcement agencies to target serious and violent crimes, fraud, stock theft, drug-related offences, illegal firearms and unlawful liquor trading.

Among those arrested were 12 suspects for murder, 17 for rape, five for attempted murder and 10 for robbery with aggravating circumstances. Police also apprehended 177 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and 191 for drug-related offences.

The operation further resulted in 15 arrests for fraud, 15 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and three for stock theft. Authorities also arrested 106 suspects for illegal liquor dealing and 99 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In a major seizure, police confiscated 11 firearms and 30 rounds of ammunition. Officers also recovered 72.618 kilograms of dagga, 90.282 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as tik, and 168.002 grams of nyaope.

The crackdown extended to the illegal tobacco trade with police seizing a staggering 3,210,752 sticks of counterfeit cigarettes. A further 62 dangerous weapons were confiscated six stolen or robbed vehicles were recovered and 95 illegal shebeens were closed.

Police also arrested 320 undocumented immigrants and 605 individuals for public drinking. Meanwhile, officers attended to 567 domestic violence incidents and served 237 protection orders across the province.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended police officers and partner agencies for their continued efforts to combat crime.

Scheepers warned that illegal firearms, drugs, stock theft and fraud threaten community safety and livelihoods. He vowed to intensify operations and urged residents to report criminal activities.

Operation Shanela II underscores the authorities continued efforts to disrupt criminal activities and improve safety throughout Limpopo.

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