The South African Police Service in Limpopo continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating crime and enhancing public safety following the successful execution of intensified high-density operations conducted across all five districts of the province. A total of 552 suspects were arrested, and seven firearms were seized during Operation Shanela in Limpopo
From Monday, 12 January 2026 to Sunday, 18 January 2026, police arrested 552 suspects for a range of serious and contact crimes during Operation Shanela. The operation focused on high-visibility policing, stop-and-search activities, roadblocks, and tracing suspects.
These decisive actions led to the arrest of suspects for the following offences:
07 Possession of unlicensed firearms 10 Rape 02 Attempted rape 11 Murder 04 House robbery 04 Illegal possession of ammunition 15 Possession of dangerous weapons 56 Illegal dealing in liquor 37 Possession of drugs 53 Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm 09 Residential burglary 03 Business burglary 124 Illegal immigration 23 Malicious damage to property 10 Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugsDuring the operations, police also achieved notable successes through the confiscation and recovery of illicit items, including:
263.547 litres of alcoholic beverages 43 live rounds of various calibres 21 dangerous weapons 518.356 kilograms of dagga 59 counterfeit goods Seven handgunsThe Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended members for their dedication and vigilance, emphasising that sustained operations remain critical in disrupting criminal activities and restoring community confidence.
All arrested suspects have already started appearing before various Magistrates’ Courts across the Limpopo Province.