Picture: Drugs confiscated during operation/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 June 2026 – Three women aged between 21 and 23 were arrested by the police for possession of illegal substances suspected to be mandrax and crystal meth. The arrests were effected by the Public Order Police in Extension 4 and 12 in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof during a self-initiated operation.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the operation was driven by information regarding alleged drug dealing activities in identified hotspot areas. Morake said in a separate incident, a man (36) was arrested for assaulting police officers, while they were performing their duties, malicious damage to state property, resisting arrest and possession of illegal substances suspected to be mandrax and crystal meth.
“The arrest followed an incident in which the suspect attacked three police officers. One police officer sustained a hand injury after being stabbed with a garden fork, while another police officer was bitten on the hand. The suspect also threw a stone at a third officer, injuring his foot.
“During the altercation, the suspect damaged a police vehicle by throwing a stone at it. All three police officers received medical treatment for their injuries,” she said.
Morake further said Naledi Rathebe (23), Masego Maseng (22), Kebuileng Itumeleng (21), and Mac Lawrence Mogolodi (36), briefly appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 29 May 2026. She added that they were remanded in custody and their case was postponed to 19 June 2026, for a bail application.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their dedication and vigilance. Naidoo said their actions demonstrate the impact of intelligence-driven policing and the commitment of members to dismantling criminal networks.
“The police will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice and that communities remain safe,” he said.
The Guardian 