61 suspects arrested in Mpumalanga GBVF crackdown

Police in Mpumalanga have arrested 61 suspects for offences related to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) during intensified operations across the province.

The arrests were made between 19 August and 6 September 2026 as part of intelligence-driven operations targeting serious and violent crimes, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

Of the 61 suspects arrested, 55 are facing rape charges, while six were arrested for allegedly committing attempted rape.

The operations involved SAPS members working with various law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to trace wanted suspects and tackle serious crimes.

Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended police members involved in the operations, saying GBVF remains a priority crime for the SAPS.

“Gender-Based Violence and Femicide remains one of the priority crimes that the SAPS is determined to eradicate,” Modise said.

She said police would continue with intelligence-driven operations and strengthen partnerships with communities and other stakeholders to identify, arrest and bring alleged perpetrators to justice.

Modise also urged victims and survivors of GBVF to report incidents and seek support, while calling on communities to provide information that could assist police investigations.