The previous weekend of 23-25 May 2025 saw a series of coordinated high-density operations conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) across several provinces. These actions have resulted in thousands of arrests, as the police continue escalating efforts to clamp down on drugs, illegal firearms, violent crime, and other serious offences.
Garden Route District: Drug Busts and Firearm Seizures
In the Western Cape’s Garden Route District, sustained anti-crime efforts led to the arrest of 73 individuals for drug-related offences and the seizure of an unlicensed firearm. These operations ran from Friday 23 May to the morning of Sunday 25 May 2025 and targeted high-crime zones with a multi-unit police deployment.
Eight suspects were arrested for drug dealing, and a further 65 for possession. Arrests were concentrated in Knysna (24), George (11), Oudtshoorn (7), and Conville (7), with small quantities of mandrax, tik, and dagga confiscated.
In a targeted raid on 23 May, George Public Order Police executed search warrants at five suspected drug dens in Knysna. The operation yielded the arrest of five individuals, three women and two men aged 25 to 42, along with more drugs seized. All suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court on Monday, 26 May 2025.
Separately, at 20:30 on Saturday 24 May, Knysna police responded to a complaint in Bloemfontein near White Location. Upon hearing a firearm being cocked, officers pursued a suspect who dropped a pistol while fleeing. A 28-year-old man was arrested for unlawful firearm possession and remains in custody.
Western Cape police management praised the officers’ vigilance, stating the actions align with the province’s broader strategy to protect vulnerable communities and remove drugs and firearms from circulation.
Gauteng: Operation Shanela Nets 1,090 Arrests
In Gauteng, Operation Shanela continued its relentless pursuit of criminals with the arrest of over 1,090 suspects across the province. The weekend sweep, involving SAPS and various law enforcement agencies, focused on increasing police visibility, asserting state authority, and tackling serious crimes.
The operation began on the evening of Friday 23 May, with detectives arresting 732 wanted suspects for serious offences including murder, rape, armed robbery, and car hijacking. A second phase featured roadblocks targeting illegal goods, stolen vehicles, and drunk drivers, resulting in over 130 DUI arrests and 140 illegal immigrants detained.
In addition, compliance checks led to the closure of several liquor outlets found violating the Liquor Act.
Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, acknowledged the collaborative effort between agencies and community stakeholders, urging continued public support in fighting crime.
Northern Cape: 300 Arrests in Multi-District Blitz
In the Northern Cape, Operation Shanela extended its reach to all five districts, with 300 arrests made for crimes ranging from drug trafficking and illegal liquor trading to murder and assault. High-density operations were overseen by senior provincial leadership, with special focus on illicit mining in areas such as Kleinzee, Port Nolloth, and Koingnaas.
During the operations, 12,907 police actions were carried out. Over 6,100 individuals and 2,450 vehicles were stopped and searched. Notably, R330,000 worth of dagga was seized in Galeshewe, leading to the arrest of a female suspect.
Inspections also led to the shutdown of unlicensed liquor outlets and non-compliant businesses. Rural safety initiatives included farm visits and high-visibility patrols. SAPS also conducted outreach programmes such as “Take a Girl Child to Work Day” and career exhibitions aimed at improving public trust and encouraging youth engagement with law enforcement.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola thanked SAPS personnel and community stakeholders, calling for sustained police action and collaboration to ensure safer communities.
Limpopo: Foreign National Caught with Drugs Worth R20,000
In Polokwane, Limpopo, a 50-year-old foreign national was arrested on Sunday 25 May following an intelligence-led operation by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. Acting on a tip-off, police tracked the suspect to a Polo Vivo at the Peter Mokaba Stadium parking lot.
A tactical takedown led to the discovery of crystal meth worth an estimated R20,000. The suspect has been charged with drug dealing and possession and is scheduled to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 May 2025.
Mpumalanga: Crackdown on Illegal Mining
Operation Vala Umgodi, targeting illegal mining in Mpumalanga, netted 21 suspects across Barberton and Sabie on 24 and 25 May.
In Barberton, eight suspects were arrested, seven of whom were undocumented foreign nationals. Four were also charged with possession of gold-bearing material, while one South African was arrested for dagga possession. Mining tools and gold material were seized.
At Sabie’s Simile informal settlement, 13 suspects aged 19 to 46 were apprehended during a disruptive operation that uncovered abandoned mining equipment, including phendukas and water pumps.
All suspects are expected in court on Monday 26 May 2025 for charges including contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal possession of mining materials.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner, commended the arrests and reaffirmed SAPS’s commitment to dismantling illegal mining networks, warning that intensified operations would continue.
