Operation Shanela : Limpopo Police Arrest Over 1,000 Suspects in Major Crime Crackdown

Limpopo Police Arrest Over 1,000 Suspects in Major Crime Crackdown

Limpopo police arrested 1,153 suspects and recovered five firearms during Operation Shanela (Kukula), a joint initiative conducted from Monday, 21 April to Sunday, 27 April 2025. The week-long operation, spanning the entire Limpopo Province, targeted a range of criminal activities, delivering a substantial blow to lawlessness in the region.

Multi-Agency Operation Targets Crime Hotspots

Operation Shanela saw collaboration between various South African Police Service (SAPS) units and external agencies. Specialized teams such as the Tactical Response Team (TRT), K9 Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, Detective Services, Public Order Policing, and Visible Policing worked alongside the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Community Policing Forums (CPF), and Traffic Departments. This multi-agency effort ensured a comprehensive approach to tackling crime across urban and rural areas.

Limpopo Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba highlighted the operation’s success, stating, “A total of one thousand one hundred and fifty-three (1,153) suspects were arrested and five (5) firearms recovered during joint Operation Shanela activities conducted between Monday, 21 April and Sunday, 27 April 2025 across Limpopo Province.”

Key Arrests and Charges

The operation resulted in arrests across a wide spectrum of offences. Among the 1,153 suspects apprehended:

•  292 for contravention of the Immigration Act

•  4 for murder

•  2 for attempted murder

•  27 for malicious damage to property

•  30 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (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

•  653 for various other crimes

Additional charges included serious offences such as rape and illicit mining, underscoring the operation’s focus on both violent and economic crimes.

Operational Highlights

Operation Shanela’s success extended beyond arrests, with police conducting extensive inspections and enforcement actions, including:

•  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)

•  4,384 informal businesses inspected (e.g., spaza shops)

•  758 licensed liquor premises inspected

•  448 second-hand dealers inspected

•  22 mines visited

These efforts reflect a strategic approach to disrupting criminal networks and ensuring compliance with the law across various sectors.

Official Commendation

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, praised the dedication of all involved. “The relentless efforts of all members and stakeholders involved in the operations have yielded these impressive results,” he said, as quoted by Colonel Ledwaba. The commendation highlights the teamwork and commitment that drove the operation’s success.

Court Proceedings Underway

Following their arrests, the suspects have already begun appearing before various Magistrate’s Courts across Limpopo Province. This swift transition to the judicial process ensures that justice is pursued promptly, offering closure to communities affected by these crimes.