Polokwane — A two-pronged enforcement drive in Sekhukhune District on 8 August resulted in the arrest of 121 undocumented foreign nationals and 26 people wanted on outstanding charges, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Monday.
Operation Shanela II–Retshepheng
SAPS described the activity as Operation Shanela II–Retshepheng, conducted in the Apel and Mecklenburg policing areas. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Jan Scheepers led the multi‑agency effort, which combined roadblocks, stop‑and‑searches and targeted interventions aimed at illegal immigration, illegal mining and other criminality, the service said.
Police reported that the 26 arrested suspects were wanted in connection with an assortment of offences. The list of alleged matters includes:
- assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (8 cases),
- theft (4 cases),
- common assault (3 cases),
- malicious damage to property (3 cases),
- and other serious allegations such as robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon, business burglary, stock theft, rape and sexual assault.
During immigration enforcement operations officers detained 121 undocumented immigrants. SAPS said that among those processed were three Lesotho nationals; four Ethiopian nationals were identified and are awaiting the relevant asylum processes.
Illegal mining items, road checks and traffic fines
The operation also focused on suspected illegal mining activity. Officers seized a number of implements believed to be associated with unauthorised mining work.
| Seized items | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wheelbarrows | Not specified |
| Buckets | Not specified |
| Jackhammers | Not specified |
| Generators | Not specified |
| Shovels/spades, chisel, knife | Not specified |
At a joint roadblock at Sefateng Mine along the R37 near Tjibeng, police, provincial and local traffic authorities and other law enforcement agencies searched 63 vehicles and 133 people. Traffic officers issued 10 summonses totalling R21,500 for a range of infringements including unlicensed vehicles, defective stop lamps and licence violations.
What SAPS says and what this means locally
SAPS framed the multi‑disciplinary approach as a targeted attempt to stem several linked problems: unlawful border crossings, criminality facilitated by illegal mining and road safety offences. The arrests for serious violent and property crimes underline the operation’s broader scope beyond immigration enforcement.
For communities in Sekhukhune the operation may offer short‑term reassurance that police resources are being concentrated on areas of concern. However, past experience across Limpopo shows that sustained results require follow‑up: processing of immigration cases, prosecution of those charged with violent crimes and measures to curb illegal mining that often feeds into organised criminal networks.
Practical information for residents
- If you have information about illegal mining sites or vehicles used in criminal activity contact your local station.
- To report suspicious activity anonymously phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
- Immigration and asylum matters continue to be managed through the Department of Home Affairs and the Refugee Reception offices;
SAPS has not indicated whether any of the arrested suspects have been linked to specific ongoing investigations beyond the outstanding warrants that prompted their arrests. The service also did not provide a breakdown of the nationalities of the remaining undocumented persons processed during the operation.
Police said the multi‑agency roadblock and targeted actions formed part of continued efforts to stabilise areas affected by illegal mining and to disrupt criminal networks operating across provincial borders. Investigations and processing of suspects were continuing, SAPS reported.
Residents with tips or further information are encouraged to contact their local station. For urgent matters, the national emergency number remains 10111.
Reported by SAPS; operations on 8 August 2026 in the Apel and Mecklenburg areas of Sekhukhune District were led by Lieutenant‑General Jan Scheepers.
