Operation Shanela: Limpopo SAPS arrests over 800 for murder and rape. Image: News24
(The Post News)– A total of 823 suspects have been apprehended across Limpopo following a weeklong high-density operation, Shanela, carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies.
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the operation began on Monday, 20 October 2025, and concluded on Sunday, 26 October 2025, across all five districts of the province. The operation was a joint effort involving members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Traffic Police, the Department of Home Affairs, Correctional Services, the Department of Mineral and Energy, as well as community structures such as the Community Policing Forum and the Youth Desk.
The multi-agency teams conducted roadblocks, vehicle searches, high-visibility patrols, and cordon-and-search operations, leading to numerous arrests for various criminal offenses. These included illegal dealing in liquor, possession of dangerous weapons, illegal possession of cigarettes, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and contraventions of the Immigration Act.
“Among the major successes recorded during Operation Shanela were the arrests of four suspects for illegal possession of firearms, 17 for rape, five for murder, and 144 illegal migrants,” said Colonel Malesela Ledwaba. All arrested individuals have already begun appearing in their respective magistrates’ courts.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, commended the efforts of all SAPS members and partner agencies involved in the operation. “We are proud of the dedication and commitment shown by our officers and community stakeholders.
“The police will continue to prevent, combat, and investigate crime, maintain public order, and protect the lives and property of all people in the province,” said Major General Scheepers.
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