443 UNLICENSED LIQUOR PREMISES SHUTDOWN, 813 ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL DEALING IN LIQUOR AND 954 FOR DRIVING UNDER IN THE INFLUENCE DURING NATIOWIDE SHANELA II OPERATIONS
Pretoria, 22 September 2025; The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recorded an impressive tally of 18,232 arrests and seized 206 unlicensed firearms during intensified nationwide crime-combatting efforts under OPERATION SHANELA II, conducted between 15 and 21 September 2025.
Recognising the persistent role of liquor in fuelling criminal activity, SAPS conducted 6,416 liquor inspections across the country resulting in the closure of 443 unlicensed liquor premises. Majority of these liquor outlets were closed by police in KwaZulu-Natal (264).
In addition, 954 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Of the total arrests, 2,701 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, vehicle hijackings, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.
Among those arrested also include :
▶️153 for murder with majority arrested in Free State (31), followed by EC (29), and then GP (28)
▶️127 for attempted murder
▶️144 for rape
▶️216 for attempted rape
▶️1,621 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
▶️1,878 suspected illegal immigrants
▶️166 for possession of illegal firearms
▶️269 for dealing in drugs
▶️3 049 for possession of drugs – majority were arrested in WC (1 705), followed by KZN (394), GP (304), and EC (270)
Confiscations and recoveries
▶️206 unlicensed firearms confiscated
▶️2 488 rounds of ammunition seized during this week
▶️74 stolen and hijacked vehicles recovered
Key Takedowns and Operations Across Provinces
Western Cape: On 16 September 2025, four suspects aged between 27 and 53 years arrested for extortion, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Milnerton area. A pistol and ammunition were seized at the scene.
Northern Cape : Operation Shanela II intensified crime-fighting across all five districts from 15–21 September, resulted in 305 arrests. Police conducted over 5,000 stop-and-searches, inspected 93 premises, and shut down 23 illegal liquor outlets. Offences included drug and liquor dealing, attempted murder, rape, assault, and burglary. Authorities seized alcohol, drugs, weapons, and copper cables. Community outreach targeted gender-based violence, youth crime, and substance abuse.
Mpumalanga : Three suspects have been arrested following a deadly shooting spree in Grootvlei on 17 September that claimed the lives of an off-duty police sergeant and a civilian. Three others, including two women, escaped unharmed. The suspects allegedly used a white Suzuki vehicle during the attacks. Investigations continue, with police commending swift teamwork across SAPS, Hawks, Crime Intelligence, and community partners.
Still on Mpumalanga, an intelligence-led operation led to the shutdown of a R350 million crystal meth lab on a Volksrust farm and the arrest of five foreign nationals. Acting on a tip-off, police seized drugs, chemicals, equipment, and ammunition. Two suspects escaped, while the South African farm caretaker was also detained. Charges include drug trafficking and immigration violations.
Gauteng : Three armed robbers aged between 24 and 27 years arrested and three unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as undisclosed cash recovered during the intelligence-driven operation conducted in Tsakane, 0n 18 September 2025
North West: On 16 September 2025, 12 suspects arrested for the of Mzomuhle Themba Zulu, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery and malicious damage of property at Masebudula, Northwest province.
Eastern Cape : Police in OR Tambo District recovered three illegal firearms in one day on 15 September. Also, three suspects were arrested in separate incidents involving unlicensed firearms in Mthatha, Libode, and Mqanduli. Police recovered weapons included two 9mm pistols and a .38 revolver. All suspects face firearm-related charges.
