LIMPOPO — The SAPS Limpopo’s Operation Kukula (Shanela), a week-long law enforcement initiative from June 24 to June 30, 2024, resulted in the arrest of 480 suspects across five districts. Officers also recovered four illegal firearms and 19 rounds of ammunition during the operation which aimed at curtailing a range of criminal activities including drug trafficking and violent crimes.

According to South African Police Service, the operation involved various SAPS units and community cooperation, leading to substantial seizures including firearms, ammunition, over R15,000 in cash, stolen property such as cellphones, alcohol, drugs, and six stolen vehicles. The suspects were apprehended for charges ranging from robbery, assault, and carjacking to rape, attempted murder, and illegal mining. Of those arrested, 68 were already wanted for serious offenses like rape and armed robbery. Some suspects have already been presented in court to face their charges.