| SAPS arrest 15 846 suspects, seizes more than R100 million worth of contraband goods, 173 firearms and 2 628 rounds of ammunition during nationwide Shanela operations | |
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| Date Published: | |
| 23/FEB/26 | |
| Description Details: | |
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Media Statement PRETORIA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) crime combatting operations led to the arrest of 15 846 suspects for various crimes and offences in various parts of the country between 16 and 22 February 2026. These arrests included 2 211 wanted suspects across all provinces for serious and violent offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, assault GBH, house and business robberies. During this period, SAPS delivered a devastating blow to the circulation of illegal and non-compliant firearms within communities. Significant operations culminated in the destruction of firearms during the second firearm destruction process of the 2025/26 financial year. In total, 13,859 firearms were destroyed, bringing the cumulative figure over the past seven years to 305,934 firearms. These firearms were mostly confiscated during Operation Shanela, and others were voluntarily surrendered during amnesty periods. Within this week, police operations continue to remove illegal firearms resulting in the confiscations of 173 firearms and 2 628 rounds of ammunition. OTHER KEY ARRESTS * 81 suspects arrested for murder * 129 suspects were arrested for attempted murder across multiple provinces * 168 arrested for rape * 1 467 suspects arrested for assault GBH * 2 733 suspects arrested for possession of drugs * 301 suspects for dealing in drugs * 104 suspects apprehended for illegal possession of firearms * 88 arrested for illegal possession of ammunition * 467 for possession of dangerous weapons * 866 suspects arrested for illegal dealing in liquor * 797 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
CONFISCATIONS/RECOVERIES: Significant seizures were made across provinces, including: * Contraband goods illegally imported into the country worth more than R100 million were seized * More than 200 000 of litres of alcohol confiscated * 858 dangerous weapons seized on the same period * 55 vehicles recovered – from sedans, SUV, Trucks, Trailers and motorcycle * Crack cocaine: 5,126 Kg (up from 1,297) * Mandrax tablets: 76,338 (up from 5,092) * Tik (crystal meth): 4,639 Kg (down from 25,029)
NATIONAL TAKEDOWNS HIGHLIGHTS: * NATIONAL: On 19 February 2026, National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Gauteng Crime Intelligence arrested a 16-year-old teenager in Roodepoort for possession and distribution of explosives. The team seized 50 blasting cartridges, 25 safety fuse connectors, and detonating cords * WESTERN CAPE - Philippi, on 20 February 2026, Operation Lockdown members arrested a 20-year-old suspect linked in a mass shooting that claimed the lives of nine people in Marikana on 17 January 2026. The members descended at the suspect’s home in Lower Cross Road, Philippi at around 00:40. The team confiscated four cellphones. * MPUMALANGA – Middelburg Police seized 537 licensed firearms and ammunition from a 55-year-old dealer who violated the Firearms Control Act. The bust followed 3 728 nationwide inspections under Operation Buyisa. Firearms were found illegally stored at a plot near eMalahleni. SAPS warns: unlawful storage or licence breaches are criminal offences. * GAUTENG – West Rand (Bekkersdal) On 20 Feb 2026, the stabilisation team recovered two firearms with ammunition and arrested three suspects (23–29) In Silver City. They’ll appearing in Westonaria Magistrate’s Court On 23 Feb 2026. * LIMPOPO – Polokwane (Lebowakgomo) On 21 Feb 2026, Police Intercepted A Truck Hauling Chrome from Illegal Mining in Atok Village. A 52-year-old driver was arrested. Seized: Chrome worth R300 000 and a truck valued at R2 million. Court Date: 23 Feb 2026. * GAUTENG – Johannesburg (Counterfeit Ops) Between 13–18 Feb 2026, Counterfeit Goods Worth R2,591,750 Seized: * Johannesburg Central: R1,023,250 (watches, consumables) * Brooklyn: R1,441,350 (cellphone accessories) * Meyerton: R127,150 (shoes, pharmaceuticals). * GAUTENG – Roodepoort - A 16-Year-Old arrested for possession/distribution of explosives. Police seized 50 Blasting Cartridges, 25 Connectors, Detonating Cords. Linked To Cash-In-Transit And Illegal Mining Networks. * GAUTENG – Zuurbekom - (West Rand) On 19 Feb 2026, police recovered four unlicensed firearms (three with filed-off serials), 200 rounds, 148 blasting cartridges, and seized four vehicles. Two suspects arrested; a third detained for illegal immigration. * LIMPOPO – Vaalwater On 14 Feb 2026, Police intercepted an abandoned Toyota Hilux loaded with dagga worth R2.6 million. Linked to a convoy from Gauteng. Suspects fled; vehicle seized. Provincial Commissioner commends community-police collaboration. * GAUTENG – Johannesburg (Major Counterfeit Raid) On 17 Feb 2026, joint law enforcement seized 115 294 counterfeit clothing/shoes worth R98 million, plus R4 396 cash. Operation involved SAPS, JMPD, SARS Customs, and brand protectors. Ends
Enquiries:
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