By REGINALD KANYANE
24 July 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, reiterated that police across the province will continue to squeeze the space for criminals in response to serious and violent crimes through Operation Shanela 2, which focuses on enhanced crime prevention and combatting criminal activities. Naidoo said consequent to operations conducted between 13 and 19 July 2026, a total of 767 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and common assault, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, to driving under the influence of alcohol.
“In addition, 97 suspected undocumented migrants were taken in for processing by Immigration officials. During the operations, 391 premises, 2 856 persons and 1423 vehicles were searched.
“Moreover, the police working together with other law enforcement agencies confiscated alcohol, ammunition, cash, cellular phones, contraband goods, a variety of drugs, eight dangerous weapons, commercial explosives, 2 202 kg kilograms of copper cables, tobacco products and eight vehicles,” he said.
Naidoo further said on 16 July 2026, a tip-off was received was operationalised, leading to the recovery of a Toyota HiAce Quantum, found parked next to the road in Majakaneng, near Mooinooi. He added that the vehicle valued at around R400 000, was recovered before the owner, who is from Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg could realised that his it was stolen.
“In a second unrelated incident reported in Vryburg on 19 July 2026, a suspect (17) was arrested for the alleged rape of his niece (5). The suspect will be dealt with in accordance with the Child Justice Act, Act 75 of 2008.
“We welcome the results achieved. The police will remain resolute in their mission to decisively deal with serious and violent crime in the province through Operation Shanela 2,” said Naidoo.
He also encouraged all law enforcement agencies to continue working tirelessly towards building safer communities and urged members of the public to cooperate with police by reporting criminal activities.
The Guardian 