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Police are seen at a roadblock in Zamdela in Sasolburg, Free State during an Operation Shanela program on 16 October 2025.
More than 17 000 suspects have been arrested and almost 180 unlicensed firearms were seized during a week-long police operation across the country that ended on Sunday. This was done through the South African Police Service’s Operation Shanela programme.
Among those arrested are more than 2 000 most wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, rape, car hijackings and armed robberies.
National Police Spokesperson, Vincent Mukhathi, says: “In addition, 1 275 ammunition was seized during this period. 25 169 litres of alcohol were seized, including 9 827 litres in the Northern Cape. Contraband worth more than R7.2 million was confiscated, crippling illicit trade networks. Seventy-four stolen vehicles were recovered, ranging from sedans to trucks and motorcycles.”
#sapsHQ The #SAPS through #OperationShanela II has arrested 17 223 suspects and confiscated 179 unlicensed firearms from 13 to 19 October 2025 across the country.
These crime-fighting initiatives and successes are attributed to intelligence-led takedowns, high-visibility… pic.twitter.com/DhKadqfmT6
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 20, 2025
