By REGINALD KANYANE
16 March 2026- The Crime Combating Team, compromising the Provincial Anti -Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence (CI) Provincial Overt Operations, and the Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) was deployed on 9 March 2026 to conduct operations targeting illicit mining activities. The police said during the operation, a man (44) from Mozambique, who was wanted by the police, was re-arrested in the Bapong Informal Settlement.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the suspect had previously escaped from lawful custody on 17 February 2026, after being arrested for Contravention of Immigration Act at Mooinooi SAPS. Morake said he is now facing additional charges for escaping from lawful custody.
“In a separate incident at Hartebeespoortdam, three men were arrested on 9 March 2026, for possession of suspected illegal substances and contravention of the Immigration Act. A man (24) from Malawi was found in possession of crystal meth with an estimated street value of R7800.
“Another man (28) from Malawi was found in possession of nyaope, crystal meth, and mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R7670. A MAN (28) from Lesotho was found in possession of nyaope, crystal meth and mandrax tablets to the estimated street value of R6 600,” she said.
She further said in Brits, a man (41) was found in possession of nyaope and crystal meth to the estimated street value of R10 200.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation to the members involved for their dedication to protecting communities. Naidoo added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We would like to assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” he said.
The Guardian 