Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE — A total number of six hundred and sixty-nine (669) suspects were arrested and one thousand six hundred and fifteen kilograms of dagga (1,615 kg) were confiscated during operation Shanela (Kukula) executed between Monday 27 April 2026 until Sunday 03 May 2026.

The suspects were arrested for various offenses, including 60 for illegal dealing in liquor.

The operation resulted in the following arrests comprising of:

▶️ 60 illegal dealing in liquor,

▶️ 19 possessions of drugs,

▶️ 08 possession of illegal cigarettes,

▶️ 01 car-hijacking,

▶️ 03 murder,

▶️ 03 burglary business,

▶️ 12 burglary residential,

▶️ 02 theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle,

▶️ 01 theft off or from motor vehicle,

▶️ 26 driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,

▶️ 01 Contravention of Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000),

▶️ 04 dealing in drugs,

▶️ 57 assaults with grievous bodily harm (GBH).

▶️ 03 possession of firearms,

▶️ 11 possessions of dangerous weapon,

▶️ 69 Illegal immigrants,

▶️ 25 malicious damage to property,

▶️ 291 other crimes,

The following items were confiscated during the operation as follows:

▶️ 904,194 litres alcoholic beverages,

▶️ 1,012 grams of cocaine,

▶️ R830-00 in cash,

▶️ 25 dangerous weapons, including knives

▶️ 1,615 kilograms of dagga,

▶️ 118 packets of tobacco products,

▶️ 8,016 grams of Crystal Meth drugs,

▶️ 0,014 grams of Nyaope drugs,

▶️ 03 firearms,

▶️ 01 rifle,

▶️ 01 vehicle

The operation was executed through policing efforts consisting of:

▶️ 4378 stop and searches,

▶️ 33 roadblocks,

▶️ 16144 patrols,

▶️ 18773 persons searched,

▶️ 8128 vehicles searched,

▶️ 5640 high visibility patrols,

▶️ 8852 informal business inspected, spaza shop to ensure labour law

 compliance,

▶️ 39 mines visited,

▶️ 1138 licensed liquor premises inspected,

▶️ 282 second hand dealer inspected,

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe appreciated the indefatigable work of the men and women in blue for ensuring the well-being of the inhabitants and combating criminal elements across the province.

Some of the suspects have already appeared before their respective Magistrate courts.

Ends

Enquiries:
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

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