MOPANI: A multidisciplinary Operation Shanela II conducted by Hoedspruit SAPS in collaboration with Immigration officials, Farm Watch structures, and E2 Security companies yielded significant successes in the ongoing fight against crime and illegal immigration in the Hoedspruit policing area.
The operation was conducted from Friday, 15 May 2026 at 20h00 until Saturday, 16 May 2026 at 05h00.
During the operation, law enforcement authorities arrested a total of 80 persons for various offences and immigration-related matters.
Among those arrested, 46 illegal immigrants were detained, while 30 individuals were identified as juveniles. Immigration officials further verified six passports, which were confirmed to be valid.
Police also closed down one illegal shebeen and effected one arrest for the use of dagga.
As part of crime prevention and visibility measures, police and law enforcement teams executed several operational activities, including three Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), two stop-and-search operations, and patrols across identified hotspots.
A total of 100 vehicles and 200 persons were searched during the operation, while 12 vehicles were tested.
Operational teams further conducted patrols at shopping complexes, liquor outlets, filling stations, taxi ranks, spaza shops, farms, schools, banks, health facilities, and villages within the policing precinct.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrests.