By OBAKENG MAJE
10 June 2025 – More than 851 suspects were nabbed for various crimes during the weekly high density Operation Shanela. They were arrested for crimes ranging from burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, aggravated robberies, murders and rapes.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said this includes, dealing in and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of liquor, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of explosives, which are used during illegal mining and cash in-transit robberies, among others.
Mokgwabone further said the operation was conducted between 2 and 8 June 2025. He added that, out of 851 arrested suspects, it is worth noting that 400 were arrested by the detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists.
“Also, 28 illegal immigrants were arrested for being in the country in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. As part of the operation, the police identified crime generators through Joint law enforcement compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second Hand Goods Acts.
“Twenty six unlicensed Liquor outlets (shebeens) were closed and large quantities of liquor and items such as four vehicles and tobacco products were confiscated. In Rustenburg, a suspected rhino poacher, Sergio Django (40) is expected to make a second appearance in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 June 2025, for rhino poaching,” said Mokgwabone.
He said Django, who is Mozambican, was arrested on Tuesday morning, 3 June 2025, after police and local farmers worked together to stop a vehicle believed to be linked to rhino poaching at Lindleyspoort, near Boshoek. Mokgwabone said the accused was found with an unlicensed hunting rifle, five rounds of ammunition and three knives.
“In Phokeng, crime intelligence led operation by the Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT) led to the arrest of a man (48), for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition on 5 June 2025, after being found in possession of a Revolver and 48 rounds of ammunition.
“He was granted R1000 bail upon appearance in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on 6 June 2025. The case was postponed until 22 August 2025. In Klerksdorp, a disruptive illegal mining operation by a multidisciplinary team at Rocin mine in the area of Wolverine on 5 June 2025, led to the confiscation of illegal mining equipment,” he said.
Mokgwabone said among others, included various explosives, four generators, jack hammers, spades, a welding machine, gas bottles, a water pump, four self-made sifting contraptions commonly referred to as pendukas and gold bearing material.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the arrests as well as seizures or confiscation of dangerous weapons, explosives made in a space of a week is testament to the hard work done by members during the Weekly Shanela High Density Operations.
“What is disturbing is that, despite the correctional centres and courts that are overwhelmed by the volumes of detainees, the high levels of serious and violent crimes are not subsiding with Human and Civil Rights groups, wanting to blame this on the police.
“The message that should be clear and unambiguous is that the police will relentlessly pursue those who break the law and violate the rights of law-abiding, innocent and hard-working citizens,” said Asaneng.
The Guardian 