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