By AGISANANG SCUFF
9 December 2025 – In enhancing public safety and addressing the heightened risk of criminal activity during this period, the police in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted high density intelligence-led joint law enforcement Safer Festive Season Operation – Shanela 2 across the province between 1 and 7 December 2025.
The police said the operations covered all the province’s districts and included the execution of actions such as the setting of roadblocks on all the national and provincial arterial roads, tracing of wanted suspects, stop and searches and compliance inspections at liquor selling outlets and shutting down of unlicensed liquor premises.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said consequent to the operations, a total of 1487 arrests were made for various offences that included murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common assault, and burglaries at residential and business premises, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of drugs, and illegal dealing in liquor. Mokgwabone said it is worth noting that out of 1487 arrests, 459 were effected during detectives’ suspected raiding operations.
“Furthermore, the operations resulted in the confiscation of copper cables, six firearms, ten rounds of ammunition, drugs, liquor, tobacco products and suspected stolen stock or produce (four goats), among others,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed gratitude to all role players for their continuous and coordinated efforts in ensuring the well-being of the community.
The Guardian 