A total of one thousand one hundred and fifty-three (1153) suspects were arrested and five (5) firearms recovered during joint Operation Shanela (Kukula) activities conducted between Monday, 21 April and Sunday, 27 April 2025 across Limpopo Province.
The well-coordinated operations involved various SAPS units, including the Tactical Response Team (TRT), K9 Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, Detective Services, Public Order Policing, and Visible Policing. These efforts were strengthened through collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Community Policing Forums (CPF), and Traffic Departments.
Key arrests included, 292 suspects arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, 4 for murder, 2 for attempted murder, 27 for malicious damage to property, 30 for assault GBH, 24 for common assault, 4 for robbery at residential premises, 3 for aggravated robbery, 6 for illegal possession of firearms, 3 for illegal possession of ammunition, 10 for possession of drugs, 9 for business burglary, 5 for residential burglary, 39 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 17 for possession of dangerous weapons and 653 suspects arrested for various other crimes
Charges faced include:
▶️ Murder
▶️ Rape
▶️ Contravention of the Immigration Act
▶️ Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs
▶️ Robbery
▶️ Assault GBH
▶️ Malicious damage to property
▶️ Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition
▶️ Illicit Mining
Operational Highlights:
▶️19 unlicensed liquor outlets closed
▶️29 roadblocks conducted
▶️15 tracing operations targeting wanted suspects
▶️839 farms visited
▶️136 formal businesses inspected (e.g Hospitality and retail
▶️ 4384 informal businesses inspected (e.g spaza shops)
▶️758 Licensed liquor premises inspected.
▶️448 second-hand dealers inspected
▶️22 Mines visited.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, commended the relentless efforts of all members and stakeholders involved in the operations.
The arrested suspects have already started appearing before various Magistrate’s Courts across the province.