Johannesburg: The South African Police Service (SAPS), through Operation Shanela, has nabbed 16,542 suspects for various crimes between 23 February and 1 March. Among those arrested were 2,393 wanted criminals across multiple provinces linked to murder, attempted murder, rape, assault grievous bodily harm (GBH), carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, and house and business robberies.

According to South African Government News Agency, in ridding communities of lethal weapons, police seized 145 firearms, including homemade guns, rifles, and shotguns, and confiscated 1,402 rounds of ammunition. A total of 101 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms, as well as 92 suspects for illegal possession of ammunition.

To dismantle illicit alcohol sales, 789 suspects were arrested for illegally dealing in liquor, with 20,820 litres of alcohol removed from society. This issue continues to fuel violence and disorder in communities. Additionally, 749 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

On 28 February, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) executed an intelligence-driven operation in Pilgrim’s Rest, resulting in the arrest of two Mozambican nationals, aged 25, on charges of possession of illicit gold valued at R3 million.

Furthermore, two suspects linked to a cash-in-transit robbery in Verulam on Monday, 23 February, were shot and killed in a shootout with police in Edendale, KwaZulu-Natal, on 24 February 2026. Police seized three firearms, two rifles and a handgun, several rounds of ammunition, as well as numerous number plates at the scene.