Mass Arrests During Limpopo Crime Operation

Police in Limpopo have arrested 579 suspects during the ongoing Operation Shanela, a joint law enforcement initiative aimed at tackling crime across the province.

The operation was carried out from Monday, 2 March until Sunday, 8 March 2026, involving multiple law enforcement agencies working together to address various criminal activities.

According to police, the operation targeted a range of offences, including robbery, assault, drug-related crimes and illegal liquor trading. Among those arrested were 215 illegal immigrants and 43 suspects linked to malicious damage to property.

Police also arrested suspects for other offences including murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms, dealing in drugs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The operation involved the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Traffic Police and the Department of Home Affairs. Officers conducted high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, vehicle checkpoints and inspections at farms, liquor outlets and informal businesses such as spaza shops to ensure compliance with labour laws.

During the operation, police arrested suspects for a range of offences including house robberies, attempted robberies, business robberies, burglary, theft of motor vehicles and assault cases. Four suspects were arrested for murder, while 14 were arrested for rape and three for attempted rape.

Police also recovered several items believed to be linked to criminal activities. These included four handguns, 28 dangerous weapons, drugs such as dagga, crystal meth and crack cocaine, as well as counterfeit goods and stolen copper cables. Officers also confiscated 343.98 litres of alcoholic beverages, two vehicles, a cellphone and a computer.

Some of the suspects have already appeared in their respective local magistrates’ courts.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said police remain committed to combating crime in the province.

“The police will continue to fight criminal activities to ensure peace and safety for the inhabitants across the province. We will leave no stone unturned in ridding out criminals,” she said.