Police arrested 743 people during Operation Shanela in Limpopo between 16 and 22 March, with immigration offences accounting for the highest number of cases. Of the total arrests, 198 were for contraventions of the Immigration Act. Police also arrested 61 people for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and 37 for common assault. Cases linked to 12 rapes and two murders were also recorded.
During the operation, officers carried out more than 4,500 stop-and-searches. Over 15,000 people and 10,000 vehicles were searched across the province. Police inspected more than 6,900 informal businesses and 1,615 liquor outlets. This led to the closure of 83 unlicensed liquor premises. Authorities say illegal alcohol trading continues to contribute to crime in many communities.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the operation forms part of efforts to restore order.
“These operations are aimed at addressing both serious and everyday crimes that affect communities. Through consistent visibility and enforcement, we are working to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable,” he said.
Police also inspected 714 second-hand goods dealers and 194 scrap yards to disrupt the resale of stolen goods.
Items seized included firearms, ammunition, drugs and large volumes of alcohol. More than 268,000 litres of alcohol were confiscated. Police also recovered dagga, cocaine, heroin, nyaope and crystal meth.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said the operation is aimed at restoring safety.
“Operation Shanela is not only about arrests, but about restoring a sense of safety and stability in our communities,” she said.
Some of those arrested have already appeared in magistrates’ courts. Investigations into other cases are ongoing.
