By BAKANG MOKOTO
27 July 2026 – An intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Crime Intelligence and the District Illicit Unit has resulted in the arrest of a suspect for the alleged possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Kanana Township, near Orkney. The operation followed intelligence received on 18 July 2026, regarding a man allegedly in possession of a firearm at an informal settlement in Kanana Extension 5.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the information was verified and the identified premises were placed under continuous monitoring, while operational plans were finalised. Myburgh said on 21 July 2026, the police executed the operation by searching the identified shack.
“The search led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of a hunting rifle and various ammunition. The suspect, Thabo Abednigo Nteu (40), was charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Nteu briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 23 July 2026, and was remanded in custody for a bail application on 30 July 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said the police remains committed to removing illegal firearms from communities and commends the effective collaboration between Crime Intelligence and the District Illicit Unit. Naidoo emphasised that intelligence-led policing continues to play a vital role in combating serious and violent crime and encouraged members of the community to continue providing information on criminal activities.
The Guardian 