SAPS’s Shanela Operations continue to deliver positive results

SAPS’s Shanela Operations continue to deliver positive results: 17 583 suspects arrested, including 3 622 illegal migrants, 138 illegal firearms and contraband worth more than R13 million seized in a single week

PRETORIA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has once again struck a decisive blow against organised crime, drug trafficking and other serious crimes through relentless Shanela operations conducted nationwide between 13 and 19 July 2026.

In just seven days, 17 583 suspects were arrested for various offences. In addition, detectives traced and arrested 1 777 wanted criminals linked to violent offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, carjackings, illegal possession of firearms,  house and business robberies.

⏹️ ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN

Police also conducted multiple operations nationwide, resulting in the arrest of 3 622 illegal migrants, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests, at 1 484, followed by Gauteng with 1 257. These actions underscore SAPS’s commitment to enforcing the Immigration Act and dismantling criminal networks associated with it.

⏹️ MAJOR SEIZURES AND TAKEDOWNS

• Western Cape, 16 July 2026: A joint operation by SAPS, the Western Cape Liquor Board, and SARS Customs Unit seized illicit liquor worth R12 million in Stellenbosch.

• Gauteng: The Provincial Counterfeit Unit confiscated contraband and counterfeit goods valued at R5 million during a three-day enforcement sweep.

•I n Acornhoek, Mpumalanga , police intercepted a truck loaded with illicit cigarettes, arresting a 45-year-old suspect for possession of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R1.9 million.

⏹️ THE WAR ON NARCOTICS INTENSIFIED RESULTING IN:

• 320 alleged drug dealers were arrested across multiple provinces.

• 3 113 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with the Western Cape leading at 1 800 arrests.

⏹️Landmark Preservation Order

On 19 July 2026, SAPS and the NPA secured a High Court preservation order against a Rietfontein property linked to a R100 million crystal meth laboratory. The order authorises the seizure and sale of the property, along with R27 800 in cash confiscated during a takedown in November 2024. A Mexican national was arrested in connection with the operation, marking a significant strike against international drug syndicates.

OTHER KEY ARRESTS THIS WEEK INCLUDE:

* 156 for murder

* 99 for attempted murder

* 147 for Rape

* 639 for illegal dealing in liquor

* 75 for illegal possession of ammunition

* 84 for illegal possession of firearms

* 586 for possession of dangerous weapons

*1 223  for assault GBH

* 744 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

CONFISCATIONS / RECOVERIES EFFECTED ACROSS THE PROVINCES

•138 unlicensed firearms seized, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles

•1 178 rounds of ammunition

•Various types of drugs; and 60 hijacked and stolen vehicles recovered

▶️ PROVINCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

⏹️FREE STATE: The Provincial Tracking Team rearrested Tshidiso Michael Mokhuane (45), a fugitive wanted for rape since 2020. He was captured in Bloemspruit on 15 July 2026.

⏹️EASTERN CAPE: Police condemned a mob justice incident in Soweto on Sea on 14 July, which claimed two lives. Three suspects were arrested for murder and attempted murder. In Lusikisiki, Crime Intelligence arrested a 35-year-old suspect for unlawful possession of three homemade firearms.

⏹️GAUTENG: On 14 July, two suspects were arrested in Mamelodi East for alleged extortion, accused of intimidating residents and collecting money for illegal electricity connections.

Still on Gauteng: On 17 July 2026, two suspects aged 54 and 59 were arrested in connection with ATM bombings during an intelligence-driven operation in Tembisa and Ivory Park. Two 9mm pistols, three magazines and twenty-six rounds of live ammunition were seized.

⏹️NORTHERN CAPE: Operation Dig Deep led to the arrest of four foreign nationals in Kuruman and Postmasburg. Controlled purchases and raids resulted in the seizure of mandrax and tik worth R15 000.

⏹️MPUMALANGA: On 19 July 2026, a 44-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the murder of a police sergeant and attempted murder of a police constable in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. Police traced and arrested the suspect at his home on Sunday, 19 July 2026, following the attack on two officers who had responded to a domestic violence complaint on Saturday night.

⏹️NORTH WEST: A 52-year-old Lesotho migrant was arrested in Seraleng for possession of dye-stained banknotes linked to ATM bombings.

⏹️LIMPOPO: Intelligence-driven operations in Capricorn District led to arrests and recovery of stolen property. In Lebowakgomo, four suspects were arrested after a business robbery at a lodge. Two pistols and ammunition were seized.

Source: South African Police Service newsroom.