Operation Shanela targets violent and organised crime
Police in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province have arrested nearly 12,000 suspects during a month-long crime-fighting campaign that targeted violent offences, drug-related crimes and illegal firearms.
The arrests were made during Operation Shanela, a nationwide policing initiative, along with routine law enforcement operations conducted throughout February 2026.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a total of 11,757 suspects were taken into custody across the province during the period.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the largest number of arrests were linked to violent crimes, which remain a major concern in the region.
“Contact crimes contributed the highest number of arrests, with 3,568 suspects detained,” Netshiunda said. “Among them, 166 were arrested in connection with murder cases, while 193 were arrested for attempted murder.”
The police operation also targeted various forms of robbery. Authorities reported that 190 suspects were arrested for robbery-related crimes. This included 54 individuals accused of robbery with aggravating circumstances, as well as suspects linked to residential and business robberies.
Firearms, drugs and stolen livestock recovered
In addition to the arrests, police confiscated a significant number of weapons and illegal items during the operations.
SAPS officers recovered 278 firearms, including 23 rifles, eight shotguns and ten homemade firearms, along with 3,824 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
Netshiunda said police also focused on crimes affecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
The operation resulted in 208 arrests for rape, 16 for attempted rape, and 46 suspects detained for sexual assault.
Authorities further reported 312 arrests related to violations of the Domestic Violence Act, while 1,655 suspects were arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Another 902 individuals were arrested for common assault.
Property crimes were also a key focus area. Police arrested 214 suspects for residential burglary and 78 for burglary at business premises.
Livestock theft, which continues to affect rural communities and farmers, was also addressed during the operations. Police arrested 52 suspects in connection with stock theft cases.
During these operations, officers recovered 24 cattle and 51 goats believed to have been stolen. Police also seized 4 kilograms of meat suspected to have come from stolen cattle.
Drug offences and drunk driving
Drug-related crimes accounted for a large portion of arrests. Authorities confirmed that 1,704 suspects were detained for offences linked to illegal drugs.
Police also intensified road safety enforcement, resulting in the arrest of 742 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Another 165 individuals were arrested for being in illegal possession of firearms.
Netshiunda said cooperation from local communities played an important role in the success of the operation.
“Many of these arrests were made possible through information provided by community members,” he said.
Police have encouraged residents to continue sharing accurate information and reporting criminal activity to help law enforcement agencies address crime in their communities.
Operation Shanela forms part of broader efforts by SAPS to reduce violent crime across South Africa through coordinated police deployments, intelligence-led investigations and community partnerships.
