SAPS arrests 14 274 suspects in one week as police shut down 369 illegal liquor outlets

The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 14 274 suspects for serious and other crimes during intensified Shanela operations conducted across the country between 21 and 27 September 2026.

Police also arrested a further 1 854 wanted suspects during the week as detectives continued tracking people linked to various criminal offences.

The operations included 5 727 compliance inspections at licensed liquor outlets, while 369 unlicensed liquor establishments were shut down. KwaZulu-Natal accounted for 216 of the closures.

SAPS said more than 22 000 litres of alcohol were confiscated during the operations, alongside 148 illegal firearms and 1 706 rounds of ammunition.

The police said the seizures were particularly significant given the link between alcohol outlets, illegal firearms and violent crime.

195 arrested for rape

The operations also resulted in the arrest of 195 suspects for rape, amid public concern following the murders and rapes of women that have recently shocked the country.

Police said a dedicated team has been established in the Western Cape to investigate the Lwandle shooting, in which 10 people were killed and 11 injured.

In another deadly incident, 17 people – 13 males and four females – were shot and killed at the Wedela Tavern, highlighting the continued impact of illegal firearms and violent crime in communities.

Drugs, assault and illegal migration among major arrests

The largest category of arrests was for possession of drugs, with 2 858 suspects arrested.

This was followed by:

• 2 047 for illegal migration

• 1 240 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm

• 1 196 for driving under the influence

• 1 010 for common assault

• 608 for possession of dangerous weapons

• 567 for illegal liquor

• 371 for malicious damage to property

• 267 for dealing in drugs

• 238 for residential burglary

• 195 for rape

• 128 for attempted murder

• 121 for murder

• 95 for illegal firearms

• 87 for illegal ammunition

• 84 for armed robbery.

Police also recorded arrests linked to human trafficking, illicit mining, precious metals, illegal cigarettes, car hijacking, robbery and counterfeit goods.

Drugs and other goods seized

Among the largest recoveries were 76 178 grams of heroin, 48 937 counterfeit goods, 22 031 litres of liquor, 3 778 abalone, 3 737 tobacco packets and 1 338 grams of crystal meth.

Police also recovered 1 332kg of dagga, 829 dangerous weapons, 706 grams of Mandrax powder, 440 grams of nyaope, 407 grams of crack cocaine and 254 grams of cocaine.

A further 6 694 Mandrax tablets, 109 explosives, 53 vehicles and 90 cellphones were recovered.

Provincial operations

In KwaZulu-Natal, police said a suspect wanted for the murder of Crime Intelligence officers Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo was shot and killed during a shootout in Inanda on 25 September. Five alleged accomplices were arrested during the intelligence-led operation.

The two officers were ambushed and killed in Mount Edgecombe in April 2025.

In Gauteng, police reported several breakthroughs, including the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect in connection with the Mooifontein Cemetery murder of Ntombifuthu Nxumalo. Three suspects were also arrested in connection with the Dawn Park murders.

A 59-year-old Lieutenant General was arrested in an operation relating to allegations of sexual grooming and rape, while a 47-year-old suspect was arrested in Eldorado Park after allegedly being found with 87 fleet and credit cards and a Speed Point.

In the Eastern Cape, a 60-year-old Mthatha businessman was arrested after police seized 140 firearms during a compliance operation. SAPS said 135 of the firearms were reported missing. The suspect was due to appear for a bail hearing on 29 September.

In Limpopo, police arrested a 25-year-old suspect allegedly driving a stolen Chery Omoda valued at about R400 000. A 20-year-old suspect was also arrested in Malamulele in connection with the alleged rape of a seven-year-old niece.

Three suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged R16 million security tender fraud in Blouberg, while 13 suspects were arrested in a UIF fraud case involving approximately R732 000.

In the North West, police linked parolee Orapeleng Modikela to nine burglaries and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in Swartruggens. Stolen property was recovered.

Meanwhile, in Mpumalanga, police seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth approximately R1.5 million in Middelburg, including cockroach baits, repellents, cosmetics and cigarettes.

SAPS said the operations form part of its continued efforts to disrupt serious and violent crime, remove illegal firearms and drugs from communities, and hold wanted suspects accountable.