Wanted criminals linked to murder, attempt to murder, rape, carjacking and other crimes were arrested.
The South African Police Service (SAPs) has arrested almost 17,000 suspects for various crimes during nationwide operations ahead of the Easter holidays, seizing counterfeit and illegal goods worth R160 million.
The suspects were handcuffed during a nationwide Shanela operation in several provinces.
arrests
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said authorities arrested 16,599 suspects between March 23 and 29, 2026.
“In these operations detectives conducted raids and apprehended 2 026 wanted criminals linked to murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, assault GBH, house and business robberies.
“These arrests include five suspected South African female drug mules who had drugs worth over R5 million hidden in their sneakers, underwear and private parts at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday, 28 March 2026. The suspects were en route to China via Dubai,” Mukhathi said.
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Extortion
Mukhathi said seven suspects, aged between 35 and 65, were also arrested in a multi-provincial operation in Cape Town, Matatiele and Nelspruit, following a wide-ranging investigation into alleged extortion and intimidation targeting long-distance bus service operators.
“He faces 125 charges ranging from intimidation, interference with essential infrastructure to extortion, money laundering, managing a criminal enterprise as well as violation of the Prevention of Organized Crime Act (POCA).”
illegal goods
He said all seven suspects appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Monday, 30 March 2026.
“In dismantling criminal networks involved in the illicit trade of counterfeit and illegal goods, police and crime-fighting partners seized R160 million worth of counterfeit and illegal goods during multiple removal operations in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.”
Mukhathi also shared some major operations in different provinces.
Gauteng
“On 25 March 2026, four suspected armed robbers were shot dead, and one suspect was injured, in a shootout with police in Yeoville, Johannesburg. The group of suspects were allegedly involved in a series of armed robberies targeting passengers arriving from OR Tambo International Airport.
“Three unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered at the scene,” he said.
Limpopo
In Limpopo, a 38-year-old man was arrested in connection with a kidnapping and extortion case involving two Indian men from Polokwane.
Mukhathi said the suspect was believed to be part of a gang that abducted the victims while they were driving a blue Ford Ranger in Thlabine village.
“The family of the victims, aged 41 and 43, were approached by the suspects, who demanded a ransom of R70,000 from their family, which was paid into the victim's account and withdrawn at various banks in Tzaneen. A search of his house revealed a firearm and ammunition hidden in a used nappy bag.”
KZN
In KZN, four suspected robbers wanted for murder, attempted murder of police officers, car and truck hijackings, and home/business robberies were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police in Belair.
Crime Intelligence officers tracked the suspects, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in their hideout. A shootout ensued, in which four suspects were killed, while one escaped. Four firearms were recovered. No police officers were injured.
Mpumalanga and Western Cape
In Nelspruit, dagga worth R5 million was seized.
Mukhathi said 893 kg was recovered from the Toyota Quantum.
“The driver, 29, was arrested, and R3 337 in cash and a vehicle were seized. The suspect will appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court today.
In Worcester, Western Cape, the Breede River K9 Unit stopped a truck carrying methamphetamine.
Twenty containers worth R5.6 million were seized. A 59-year-old suspect was also arrested.
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