“Barely two weeks into 2026, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has already taken nearly 19 000 suspects into custody for crimes committed across the country during nationwide operations. Just this past week, 5 to 11 January 2026, police arrested 18 970 suspects for various charges, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, rape, assault, burglary, drug trafficking, and more. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said another 2 247 wanted suspects were arrested for serious crimes, including murder, rape, sexual assault, robberies, car hijackings and many other serious crimes.
“In addition, 132 unlicensed firearms, ranging from handguns, rifles, homemade guns, to shotguns, were seized during this period. Police also seized 888 rounds of ammunition and 179 explosives.” Van Wyk also shared details of other key arrests in other provinces. In Gauteng, police arrested a 36-year-old man in Roodepoort after recovering two rifles (an AK-47 and a 308 rifle), a magazine, and more than 80 rounds of ammunition.
“Acting on information received on 5 January 2026, the Gauteng Organised Crime Tracing Team and Police Emergency Services Flexi searched a house and seized the unlicensed firearms. “The suspect faces charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and will appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate Court,” Van Wyk said. Gauteng police also handcuffed a 47-year-old foreign national who was arrested in Johannesburg CBD, and 10 teenage boys were rescued in a joint operation by Fox Security, JMPD, SAPS Mondeor and the Hawks’ trafficking unit.
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Eight half-naked teens were found walking in Mulbarton, while two more were recovered after a high-speed chase involving a blue VW Jetta. Van Wyk said the suspect faces charges of illegal immigration and suspected human trafficking.
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