South African police have arrested 14,274 suspects, including South African nationals and foreign nationals, for offences ranging from murder and rape to drug-related crimes, robbery and the illegal possession of firearms during a seven-day nationwide operation.
The arrests were made between September 21 and 27, 2026, as part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Shanela operations. Detectives separately traced and arrested another 1,854 wanted suspects across the country.
According to SAPS in a statement issued on Monday, 2,858 suspects were arrested for drug possession, the largest category of arrests during the period, followed by 2,047 arrests for illegal migration.
Police also recorded 1,240 arrests for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 1,196 for driving under the influence and 1,010 for common assault.
Other arrests included 267 suspects for drug dealing, 238 for residential burglary, 195 for rape, 128 for attempted murder and 121 for murder.
SAPS recorded 95 arrests for illegal firearms, 87 for illegal ammunition, 84 for armed robbery, 33 for illicit mining, 20 for car hijacking and seven for human trafficking.
The nationwide operations also resulted in the recovery of substantial quantities of suspected illicit goods, drugs and other materials, including 76,178 grams of heroin, 48,937 counterfeit goods, 3,778 abalone, 3,737 packets of tobacco, 1,338 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 1,332 kilograms of dagga.
Police additionally recovered 706 grams of Mandrax powder, 440 grams of Nyaope, 407 grams of crack cocaine, 254 grams of cocaine, 109 explosives, 53 vehicles and 6,694 Mandrax tablets.
Beyond the arrests, police intensified operations around liquor outlets as part of efforts to tackle violence and other crimes associated with illegal alcohol establishments.
SAPS said it shut down 369 unlicensed liquor outlets, including 216 in KwaZulu-Natal, while officers conducted 5,727 compliance inspections at licensed establishments.
The inspections resulted in the confiscation of 22,031 litres of alcohol, as authorities stepped up enforcement against illegal liquor operations and activities around taverns and shebeens.
The police also recovered 148 illegal firearms and 1,706 rounds of ammunition, which SAPS said are frequently associated with violent crimes, particularly around liquor establishments.
SAPS said the operations were designed to tackle violent and organised crime while disrupting activities involving illegal alcohol distribution, drug trafficking, illegal firearms and other criminal networks.
The rape arrests came amid ongoing investigations into attacks and killings of women across the country, with SAPS continuing to pursue suspects linked to sexual and violent offences.
In the Western Cape, police established a dedicated investigative team following the Lwandle shooting, in which 10 people were killed and 11 others injured.
Another mass shooting at Wedela Tavern claimed the lives of 17 people 13 males and four females, according to SAPS.
The two incidents have further intensified police efforts to remove illegal firearms from communities and investigate shootings involving multiple victims.
The statement read partly, “A suspect wanted for the murder of two Crime Intelligence officers was shot and killed during a shootout with police in Inanda, while five accomplices were arrested during a coordinated intelligence-led operation across KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 25 September 2026.
In April 2025, Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo, were ambushed and killed in Mount Edgecombe, KZN.
The statement reads partly, “Kwazulu-Natal – DURBAN: 25 September 2026 – A suspect wanted for the murder of two Crime Intelligence officers was shot and killed during a shootout with police in Inanda, while five accomplices were arrested during a coordinated intelligence-led operation across KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 25 September 2026.
In April 2025, Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo, were ambushed and killed in Mount Edgecombe, KZN.
“In Gauteng, 36 year old arrested in Limpopo for Mooifontein Cemetery murder of Ms Ntombifuthu Nxumalo; traced via Bolobedu SAPS; Tembisa Court 29 Sept. • 59 year old Lieutenant General arrested for sexual grooming and rape; CRTT operation; Randburg Court 22 Sept. • Dawn Park murders breakthrough — 3 suspects arrested; Boksburg Court today. Eldorado Park fraud bust — 47 year old with 87 fleet/credit cards + Speed Point; court pending.
“In Eastern Cape, 60 year old Mthatha businessman arrested; 140 firearms seized, 135 missing; bail hearing 29 Sept; OPERATION BUYISA continues inspections.
“In Limpopo, Mooifontein murder suspect traced in Mohlabaneng; transferred to Gauteng. • 25 year old arrested in Polokwane driving stolen Chery Omoda (R400k); court 28 Sept; linked to Sandton theft. • 20 year old arrested in Malamulele for raping 7 year old niece; court 28 Sept. • 3 suspects arrested in R16m Blouberg security tender fraud; Senwabarwana Court 25 Sept. • 13 suspects arrested in UIF fraud worth R732k; Polokwane Court 25 Sept.
“In North West, Swartruggens parolee Orapeleng Modikela linked to 9 burglaries + assault GBH; stolen property recovered; next court 14 Oct.
“In Mpumalanga, Middelburg counterfeit/illicit goods worth R1.5m seized (cockroach baits, repellents, cosmetics, cigarettes); case under investigation.”