By REGINALD KANYANE
26 August 2025 – More than 898 suspects were arrested for various crimes during a weekly High Density Operation Shanela 2 across the North West. The police also seized items that included 67 rounds of ammunition, 10 cellular phones, liquor and tobacco products.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Mburgh said the arrested suspects among others, included 66 for possession of drugs, 22 for illegal dealing in liquor, 111 for assault with the intent to do previous bodily harm, 67 for common assault, 32 for burglary and 15 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Myburgh said the operations were conducted between 18 until 24 August 2025.
“Out of the 898 arrested suspects, 430 were arrested by the Detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists, they included five for murder, five for house robbery, 27 for rape and 147 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
“In addition, 41 illegal immigrants were arrested for being in the country in contravention of the Immigration Act. The Vala Umgodi team arrested a further 46 illegal immigrants, one person for unlawful possession of ammunition,” she said.
Myburgh further said an employer was issued with a fine for employing an illegal immigrant. She added that through joint law enforcement compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts, 21 unlicensed Liquor outlets (shebeens) were closed and more than 4300 litres of liquor were confiscated.
“Disruptive operations conducted in Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom and Ikageng between 18 and 20 August 2025, by the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU) and Crime Intelligence members in conjunction with the South African Revenue (SARS)’s Customs officials, to enforce the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, (Act No. 91 of 1964), with focus on illicit cigarettes and alcohol, yielded positive results.
“The items worth R 236 740 were confiscated. The police confiscated 6 x master cases of cigarettes, 645 x cartons of cigarettes, 185 x packets of cigarettes, 5 x boxes of bubbly, 158 x cartons of hubbly and 266 x packets of hubbly,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These continuous, weekly High Density operations will be intensified in preparation and anticipation of the critical pre-festive season events and festivities, such as end of year examinations, music, cultural and sporting events.
“The public is advised to report crime at their nearest police stations or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 0800 911 011.”
The Guardian 