A multi-agency law enforcement operation near Harrismith resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of unlawful explosives on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
The suspects, both men in their 40s originally from Gqeberha, were taken into custody at Makgolokweng Village following a coordinated search under #OperationShanela2. The joint team included personnel from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Traffic, municipal officials, Eskom, the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea), and Environmental Health practitioners.
The operation, led by members of the Phuthaditjhaba SAPS K9 Unit, focused on crime-combating patrols, searches, and compliance inspections across local businesses. During a routine check, two officers working with a narcotics detection dog entered a room occupied by two tenants. Attention was drawn to a locked trunk inside the premises. Upon lawful opening of the container, officials discovered explosives concealed within plastic sacks.
Both individuals were promptly arrested and formally charged with unlawful possession of explosives. The case has been handed over to the Free State Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for continued inquiry.
The accused are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 29 May 2026.
