552 SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR VARIOUS CRIMES IN LIMPOPO

LIMPOPO: The South African Police Service in Limpopo continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating crime and enhancing public safety following the successful execution of intensified high-density operations conducted across all five districts of the province.

The police weekly report obtained from the police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, from Monday, 12 January 2026 to Sunday, 18 January 2026, police arrested 552 suspects for a range of serious and contact crimes during Operation Shanela. The operation focused on high-visibility policing, stop-and-search activities, roadblocks, and tracing suspects.

These decisive actions led to the arrest of suspects for the following offences:

07 Possession of unlicensed firearms

10 Rape

02 Attempted rape

11 Murder

04 House robbery

04 Illegal possession of ammunition

15 Possession of dangerous weapons

56 Illegal dealing in liquor

37 Possession of drugs

53 Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm

09 Residential burglary

03 Business burglary

124 Illegal immigration

23 Malicious damage to property

10 Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

During the operations, police also achieved notable successes through the confiscation and recovery of illicit items, including:

263.547 litres of alcoholic beverages

43 live rounds of various calibres

21 dangerous weapons

518.356 kilograms of dagga

59 counterfeit goods

Seven handguns

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended members for their dedication and vigilance, emphasising that sustained operations remain critical in disrupting criminal activities and restoring community confidence.

All arrested suspects have already started appearing before various Magistrates’ Courts across the province.