Limpopo police arrest 926 suspects in week-long Operation Shanela raids

Police in Limpopo arrested 926 suspects and recovered multiple firearms, dangerous weapons, drugs and large quantities of alcohol during a week-long phase of Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service said.

Where and when the operation took place

The operation was carried out across all five districts in the province between May 18 and May 24, 2026, the police said.

Arrests, seizures and offences

Police reported the seizure of firearms, drugs, liquor and other contraband during the campaign. In a statement, a police spokesperson said:

“Between May 18 and May 24, 2026, a total of 926 suspects were arrested, 06 firearms and 28 dangerous weapons, amongst others, were seized during Operation Shanela conducted across all five districts in the province,”

The arrests included suspects linked to murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, illegal possession of firearms, drug-related crimes and liquor offences. The operation logged specific arrests as follows:

• One for murder
• One for robbery with aggravating circumstances
• Two for residential robbery
• Six for rape
• Sixty-five for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
• Forty-one for common assault
• Twenty-four for possession of drugs
• Two for dealing in drugs
• Nine for possession of dangerous weapons
• Ten for residential burglary
• Three for business burglary
• Nine for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Police also confirmed the arrest of 400 undocumented foreign nationals during the operation.

Quantities seized and compliance checks

Police said large quantities of alcohol, drugs and illegal goods were confiscated. Reported seizures included:

• More than 427,000 litres of alcoholic beverages
• 1,356kg of dagga
• ammunition, copper pipes and tobacco products
• seven firearms

The operation placed a heavy emphasis on compliance inspections. Officers inspected 1,397 liquor premises, 331 second-hand dealers, 124 scrapyards and 7,667 informal businesses, including spaza shops, to check compliance with labour and other regulations. Police also searched 12,748 people and 5,919 vehicles during the week, and shut down 72 unlicensed liquor premises.

Leadership response and next steps

The spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, relayed praise from provincial leadership. He said:

“The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has acknowledged the dedication and commitment displayed by the men and women in blue in combating crime across the province,”

and added that some of the arrested suspects have already appeared in various magistrates’ courts across the province as investigations continue.