176 MURDER SUSPECTS AMONG 15 350 ARRESTED FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES, 141 FIREARMS AND OVER R5 MILLION IN CONTRABAND SEIZED DURING SHANELA 2 NATIONAL POLICE OPERATIONS
Pretoria, 6 October 2025; In a sustained effort to combat serious and violent crime, the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 15 350 individuals for various criminal offences over the past week.
An additional 1 894 wanted suspects were tracked down and apprehended for crimes ranging from murder, robbery, carjacking, rape, sexual assault, and illegal possession of firearms.
Among those arrested are 176 murder suspects, with the Eastern Cape accounting for the highest number (60), followed closely by KwaZulu-Natal (43).
A total of 155 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
Illegal firearms remain a persistent threat to public safety. SAPS arrested 88 suspects for illegal possession of firearms, with KwaZulu-Natal leading (29), followed by the Eastern Cape (19). A total of 141 firearms which include handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
Other key arrests
▶️ 263 suspects arrested for dealing in drugs – highest in the Western Cape (53), followed by Eastern Cape (45).
▶️ 777 suspects arrested for dealing in liquor – Mpumalanga leading with 263, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 240.
▶️ 500 suspects arrested for possession of dangerous weapons.
▶️ 232 suspects arrested for rape – Gauteng recorded the highest number with 28 arrests.
▶️ 1 433 suspects arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
▶️ 1 364 suspected illegal immigrants arrested.
Confiscations and Recoveries
▶️ 1 397 units of abalone confiscated.
▶️ Contraband goods valued at R5 131 092 seized.
▶️ 74 stolen and hijacked vehicles recovered, including trailers, motorcycles, trucks, sedans, and SUVs.
Notable highlights for the week
WESTERN CAPE: In Ilitha Park, Lingelethu-West, a 22-year-old male was arrested after officers responded to gunfire at a memorial service. A .38 revolver linked to a deceased Wellington resident was recovered from a vehicle. The suspect faces charges of illegal firearm and ammunition possession.
Anti-Gang Unit members arrested a 26-year-old male in Lotus River after recovering a silver .38 Special revolver with five rounds. The suspect will appear in Wynberg court.
Vanrhynsdorp SAPS and Provincial Traffic arrested four suspects (aged 22–49) at a vehicle checkpoint after discovering two large bags of dagga in a Mazda Etude. Court appearance scheduled in Klawer.
In Rondebosch, a stolen VW Polo was intercepted after a high-speed chase. Four male suspects were arrested. Two firearms, 10 rounds of ammunition, mandrax tablets, and cellphones were seized. All face charges of illegal firearm and drug possession.
In Diazville, Saldanha, patrol officers arrested an 18-year-old male found with a prohibited 9mm Glock (serial removed), extended magazine, and 27 rounds. He will appear in Vredenburg court.
On 02 October 2025, Operation Shanela II officers uncovered a fully operational illegal alcohol manufacturing facility on a farm in Faure, Stellenbosch. Five Malawian nationals (aged 26–45) were arrested and large quantities of illicit alcohol and industrial-grade equipment seized.
Further investigation led to a Woodstock storage site where a 53-year-old Chinese national was arrested. Pre-packaged liquor ready for distribution was confiscated.
KWAZULU-NATAL: A 37-year-old male, Methew Reece, has been remanded in custody following his court appearance in KwaDukuza on 03 October 2025 for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Acting on verified intelligence, a multi-disciplinary team executed a search warrant at a Palm Lakes residence on 02 October. Officers recovered two .303 rifles, one pump-action shotgun, and 78 shotgun rounds.
Ballistic testing is underway to determine possible links to other crimes. The accused is set to apply for bail on 10 October 2025.
GAUTENG: Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Tommy Mthombeni led a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation in Bekkersdal and Westonaria, West Rand.
Key arrests include 718 suspects across Gauteng, with 446 linked to gender-based violence, 28 illegal immigrants, 23 for drunk driving, 3 for drug possession, 3 unlicensed liquor outlets shut down.
Between 29 September and 2 October 2025, the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, supported by brand protectors and crime wardens, searched 23 shops and 2 kiosks across four districts: Sedibeng, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg.
A total of 15,070 counterfeit items were seized, including fake cellphone accessories, clothing, toys, pharmaceuticals, and jewellery, valued at R4,198,900.
EASTERN CAPE: SAPS Flying Squad members in Gqeberha intercepted a white Toyota RAV4 in Coega Industrial area and arrested three suspects (aged 35–38) after discovering dagga (164kg), crystal meth (10kg), and cocaine (2kg) worth R28.6 million.
