Nearly 17,000 Arrests in One Week: SAPS Easter Crackdown Nets R160m in Counterfeit Goods

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested nearly 17,000 suspects for various crimes and seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth R160 million during nationwide operations ahead of the Easter holidays.

The Numbers

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said officers arrested 16,599 suspects between 23 and 29 March 2026.

Detectives conducted raids and apprehended 2,026 wanted criminals linked to:

• Murder

• Attempted murder

• Rape

• Carjacking

• Illegal possession of firearms

• Assault GBH

• House and business robberies

Drug Mules at OR Tambo

Five suspected South African female drug mules were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport with drugs worth more than R5 million concealed in their sneakers, underwear, and private parts. The suspects were en route to China via Dubai.

Extortion Crackdown

Seven suspects aged between 35 and 65 were arrested in a multi-province operation in Cape Town, Matatiele, and Nelspruit following an investigation into alleged extortion targeting long-distance bus service operators.

They face 125 charges ranging from intimidation, interference with essential infrastructure, extortion, money laundering, managing a criminal enterprise, and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

Gauteng Shootout

On 25 March 2026, four suspected armed robbers were shot and killed, and one suspect was injured in a shootout with police in Yeoville, Johannesburg. The group was allegedly involved in a series of armed robberies targeting travellers arriving from OR Tambo International Airport.

Three unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered.

Limpopo Kidnapping

A 38-year-old man was arrested in connection with a kidnapping and extortion case involving two Indian men from Polokwane. A ransom of R70,000 was paid. A search at his house led to the recovery of a firearm and ammunition hidden in a used nappy bag.

KZN Shootout

Four suspected robbers, wanted for murder, attempted murder of police officers, car and truck hijackings, and house/business robberies, were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police in Bellair. Four firearms were recovered.

Mpumalanga and Western Cape

• In Nelspruit, 893 kg of dagga worth R5 million was seized from a Toyota Quantum. The driver was arrested.

• In Worcester, the Breede River K9 Unit intercepted a truck transporting methamphetamine. Twenty containers valued at R5.6 million were seized. A 59-year-old suspect was arrested.

The Bottom Line

16,599 arrests. R160 million in counterfeit goods. Drug mules, extortionists, kidnappers, and armed robbers taken down.

SAPS is sending a message ahead of Easter: crime won’t be tolerated. And the net is closing.

{Source: Citizen}

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