25 undocumented foreign nationals, 17 drunk drivers arrested in Operation Shanela II blitz in Eastern Cape.
Image: SAPS
A multi-agency law enforcement crackdown in the Eastern Cape has led to the arrest of 25 undocumented foreign nationals and 17 motorists for drunken driving, as authorities intensify efforts to combat crime in the Buffalo City Metro.
The operation, carried out under Operation Shanela II by the South African Police Service, took place between 9pm on April 17 and 3am on April 18, 2026, in the KuGompo City policing area.
Led by Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata, the operation brought together SAPS members, Provincial Traffic officers, the Department of Home Affairs and the Eastern Cape Liquor Board in a coordinated effort targeting a wide range of crimes.
Authorities confirmed that immigration officials screened 30 undocumented foreign nationals, with 25 arrested following verification.
“The Department of Home Affairs Immigration unit checked thirty undocumented foreign nationals. Following verification, twenty-five of them were arrested,” said Police spokesperson Nobantu Gantana.
Police also confirmed that 17 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, alongside other arrests linked to drugs, ammunition and firearm-related offences.
“In KuGompo, seventeen motorists were arrested for drunken driving. One suspect was arrested for possession of ammunition. Another was arrested for possession of drugs,” Gantana said.
Ncata said the operation sends a strong message to criminals operating in the province, saying that “Operation Shanela II continues to prove that there is no sanctuary for lawlessness in the Eastern Cape.”
Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety Xolile Nqata praised the operation and law enforcement visibility.
He said the integrated approach “sends a strong message that crime will not be tolerated across the province.”
Police detailed the scale of the operation, confirming extensive deployments and enforcement actions.
“One hundred and sixty-eight persons were searched, and seventy vehicles were stopped. Patrols covered three malls, nineteen ATMs, four taxi ranks, two railway stations, two retail centres, eight filling stations, and eight key points,” Gantana said.
Police added that drugs, ammunition and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered during the operation, while inspections at liquor outlets yielded no compliance violations.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court as soon as law enforcement continues its intensified operations across the province.
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