More than 2 000 suspects have been arrested across Limpopo during a week-long high-density crime operation that also saw police seize nine firearms and 116 rounds of ammunition.
A total of 2 142 suspects were arrested during multidisciplinary Operation Shanela operations conducted across the province between Monday, 31 August and Sunday, 6 September 2026.
The arrests included five suspects wanted for murder and 11 for attempted murder.
Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the operation targeted serious and violent crime, as well as activities undermining public safety.
Among those arrested were 28 suspects for rape, 175 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 213 for drug-related crimes and 100 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Police also arrested 21 suspects for contravening the Domestic Violence Act and 141 for the illegal dealing in liquor.
A further 188 undocumented immigrants were arrested, while 453 people were arrested for public drinking.
According to Ledwaba, the operation resulted in the recovery of five stolen or robbed vehicles and the confiscation of 39 dangerous weapons, 38 knives and 2 850 counterfeit cigarette sticks.
Police also seized more than 165kg of dagga, 21.7g of crystal methamphetamine, 2.5g of mandrax powder and 9.49g of nyaope.
More than 1.2 million millilitres of liquor was confiscated during the operations.
The crackdown involved roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, vehicle control points, crime prevention operations, compliance inspections, liquor control operations and increased police visibility.
Police conducted 8 154 stop-and-search operations, searched 35 773 people and 17 271 vehicles, while 8 287 vehicles were tested.
A total of 3 518 compliance inspections were conducted at liquor premises, while 790 inspections were carried out at second-hand goods dealers.
Police also conducted 1 402 crime prevention operations, 147 roadblocks and 228 liquor control operations.
In addition, 148 shebeens were closed and 1 840 fines were issued.
Ledwaba said the arrested suspects had started appearing before various magistrates’ courts across the province.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended SAPS members and law enforcement partners for their continued commitment to combating crime.
“We will continue with intelligence-driven operations to disrupt criminal activities and keep the people of Limpopo safe,” said Scheepers.
