The South African Police Service (Saps) in Mpumalanga, together with various law enforcement agencies, conducted a successful Operation Shanela across the province from 24 to 27 September 2026. During this operation, a total of 1 142 suspects were arrested. The operation aimed to curb crime and illegal firearms in the province, which has been plagued by recent violent incidents.
A significant achievement of the operation was the confiscation of 17 illegal firearms, consisting of 14 handguns, two rifles, and one shotgun, as well as 709 rounds of live ammunition. The seized firearms and ammunition will be further investigated to determine their origin and intended use. This seizure is a significant blow to the illicit firearms trade in the province.
The recent mass shootings in the country have been brutal, with at least 28 people killed and nearly 35 others wounded in separate incidents over the past weekend. One of the incidents occurred at a tavern in Wedela, Carletonville, where 18 people lost their lives. Another shooting in Lwandle, Western Cape, claimed the lives of 10 people and left 11 others injured.
The killings have not been limited to these incidents, as other murders have been reported in Ekurhuleni, where the 11th woman's body was found in Springs. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the recent mass killings and assured that security measures have been intensified to curb the country's murder rate. The President is confident that the suspects responsible for the shootings will be apprehended.
The police are currently searching for at least eight suspects in connection with the recent shootings in Gauteng. Police chief Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has assembled a multidisciplinary team to investigate these horrific shootings. The team will work to gather evidence and track down the suspects.
The recent violence has raised questions about police intelligence and the effectiveness of current security measures. The government has faced criticism for not doing enough to address the root causes of violence and to prevent such incidents. The police have assured that they are working tirelessly to prevent further incidents and to bring those responsible to justice.
The Operation Shanela operation is part of a broader effort to combat crime and improve safety in South Africa. The police and other law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to identify and apprehend suspects, and to seize illegal firearms and ammunition. The public has been urged to cooperate with the police and to report any suspicious activity.
Key points
- 17 illegal firearms seized in Mpumalanga province during Operation Shanela.
- Recent mass shootings in South Africa have claimed 28 lives and injured nearly 35 people.
- Police are searching for at least eight suspects in connection with the recent shootings in Gauteng.
