Illegal firearms and ammunition were seized during a coordinated crime prevention operation in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga, as part of Operation Shanela.
The multidisciplinary team, working alongside local Farm Watch structures, conducted intelligence-driven operations between 23 and 24 February 2026 in Calcutta, Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge. The operation focused on crime prevention, tracing of wanted suspects and compliance inspections.
Police conducted stop-and-searches, patrols and visits to liquor outlets in identified hotspots, including Saselani and Dwarsloop in Bushbuckridge. During the operation, a 30-year-old man was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police seized two 9mm pistols, two magazines and approximately 16 live rounds.
Further operational activities led to the recovery of two additional firearms, one of which is suspected to be a state-issued weapon. Crime Intelligence information later resulted in the recovery of another 9mm pistol with ammunition.
Two suspects, aged 25 and 30, are expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court and Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court respectively on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasised that integrated, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with community structures such as farm patrols remain critical in removing illegal firearms from communities.
“These coordinated efforts enhance operational quality, strengthen cohesion among law enforcement partners, and significantly contribute to proactive policing and safer communities,” said Mkhwanazi.
