17 August 2026 – Three illegal immigrants were arrested during an intelligence driven-operation by the Vryburg K9 Unit for the alleged possession of suspected drugs and defeating the ends of justice. The operation was conducted on 14 August 2026, in Noord Street, Vryburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said the suspects’ citizenship status was verified with the Department of Home Affairs in Vryburg.
Magakoe said during the operation, the police allegedly seized more than 600 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, heroin and more than 600 tablets with a combined estimated street value of approximately R155 000.
“The police also seized cash. The suspects aged between 34 and 37, are expected to appear before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court, facing charges relating to the alleged possession of suspected drugs and defeating the ends of justice.
“In a separate operation in Colridge, Vryburg K9 executed a search warrant and confiscated one replica firearm with ammunition. The investigations are continuing and no arrest was made with regards to the firearm,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended the Vryburg K9 Unit and all role players for their continued efforts to disrupt the circulation of suspected illicit substances and other criminal activities in communities.
Picture: A man arrested for dealing in drugs/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
17 August 2026 – A collaborative, multi-disciplinary and intelligence-driven Operation Basadi led by the Provincial Head of Pro-Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, resulted in the arrest of a suspect (26) for alleged drug dealing in Greenpoint, near Kimberley on 14 August 2026. The operation was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team comprising various provincial components and units, including Provincial Operational Response Services, Provincial Operational Command Centre, Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods, Provincial Emergency Services, Provincial Corporate Communication and Liaison, Kimberley K9 Unit, Kimberley Flying Squad, Kagisho SAPS and Crime Intelligence.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the operation was conducted in two phases, with the first phase focusing on school safety in Galeshewe Township. Shmane said the police conducted a search at a high school in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley during which various unauthorised items were confiscated from learners.
“During the second phase, the police proceeded to Greenpoint, where search warrants were simultaneously executed at three identified suspected drug premises. However, no drugs were found at two of the premises, but at the third location.
“A suspect was subsequently arrested for alleged dealing in drugs. The police confiscated mandrax tablets and a substantial amount of cash during the operation. The suspect is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s court soon,” he said.
The Provincial Head of Pro-Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, commended the multi-disciplinary team for their professional conduct and commitment during the execution of the operation. Kopeledi also reiterated that the police will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations without respite to eradicate the scourge of drugs and other criminal activities, especially Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F), while ensuring the safety and security of communities.
Picture: Two suspects arrested for possession of drugs/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 August 2026 – The two suspects aged 28 and 32, were arrested by the police attached to the Danielskuil Visible Policing and Detective Units for possession of suspected drugs. The suspects were arrested during a high-density Operation Shanela II conducted in Danielskuil on 14 August 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police were conducting routine visible policing patrols between 4pm and 4:30pm, when they noticed two men at a hiking spot behaving suspiciously. Shemane said when the police approached them, they allegedly threw an unidentified parcel away.
“The police immediately retrieved the parcel and conducted a search of the area, as well as the two suspects. During the search, the police discovered suspected mandrax tablets in their possession.
“The suspected mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R30 000 were seized, along with cash found in the possession of the suspects. The two suspects aged 28 and 32, were arrested for possession of suspected drugs and are expected to appear in court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the police for their vigilance and alertness, which led to the successful seizure of the drugs before they could reach communities. Sebili further cited that police will continue unabated in their efforts to eradicate the illicit drug trade in the district and ensure that those involved in the distribution of drugs are brought to justice.
17 August 20226 – Three suspects were arrested for stock-theft by the Kuruman Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit. It is alleged that the suspects stole 25 sheep from a farm in Van Zylsrus.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said on 14 August 2026, the Kuruman STES Unit received information from the police in Van Zylsrus regarding the alleged theft of 25 sheep from a farm. Shemane said the livestock was allegedly stolen between Thursday evening and Friday morning.
“The information regarding the vehicle allegedly used during the commission of the crime was shared with the STES Unit as the vehicle was believed to be travelling towards the Kuruman area.
“The members of the Kuruman STES Unit subsequently spotted a bakkie and trailer matching the description of the vehicle in Kuruman. The police followed, stopped the vehicle and instructed the occupants to disembark,” he said.
Shemane further said four men were found inside the bakkie. He added that a sheep was also found at the back of the vehicle covered with nets.
“Three of the occupants attempted to evade arrest. However, one suspect was apprehended at the scene. The ensuing investigation led the police to an abattoir in Olifantshoek, where 24 sheep that had already been slaughtered were recovered.
“All 25 stolen sheep with an estimated value of R38 800, were successfully recovered. A driver (61), and a man (33) were arrested. A third suspect (35), was subsequently arrested in Van Zylsrus. The police are continuing with efforts to trace the remaining suspect who evaded arrest,” he said.
Shemane said the bakkie and trailer allegedly used in the commission of the crime were seized by the police for further investigation. He said the trio is expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to stock theft.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended the members of the Kuruman STES Unit for their swift response, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of all 25 stolen sheep. Baloyi reaffirmed that the policing of stock theft activities remains a priority in the district and efforts will be intensified to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 August 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and government departments, conducted a week-long multi-disciplinary and intelligence-driven Operation Shanela II from 10 until 16 August 2026. The operations formed part of ongoing efforts to prevent and combat crime, disrupt criminal activities and enhance the safety and security of communities across the province.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said as part of the intensified operations, female police officers conducted high-density policing activities under Operation Basadi, supported by their male counterparts across all five districts of the Northern Cape. Shemane said the concerted operations included vehicle control points (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, the tracing and arrest of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, as well as compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, farms, mines, and formal and informal businesses.
“During the week-long operations, a total of 8252 persons and 4039 vehicles were stopped and searched at VCPs and roadblocks across the province. A total of 223 suspects were arrested for various offences, including robbery, possession and dealing in drugs, murder, attempted murder, burglary, malicious damage to property, stock theft and offences relating to undocumented persons, among other serious and priority crimes.
“The ongoing efforts by detectives to trace wanted suspects also yielded positive results with 46 wanted individuals arrested during the operations. As part of compliance enforcement measures, 21 unlicensed liquor premises were closed for non-compliance with relevant legislation,” he said.
Shemane further said compliance inspections were further conducted at second-hand goods dealers, liquor outlets, mines, farms and formal and informal businesses to ensure adherence to applicable legislation and to disrupt activities that may contribute to criminality. He added that during the operations, police also confiscated thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, counterfeit goods, copper and cash.
“In commemoration of Women’s Month, the police in the Northern Cape have further strengthened its partnership with AVBOB, a private-sector stakeholder to address the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) through collaborative awareness and intervention initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and all law enforcement and government partners, who participated in the operations across the province. Otola also expressed her appreciation to communities for their continued cooperation and assistance in the ongoing fight against crime.
“We remain committed to strengthening partnerships with our communities and external stakeholders to address crime effectively and ensure the safety of all people in the Northern Cape. We will continue to review our operations and adapt our strategies to improve service delivery and enhance the fight against crime,” she said.
Otola said the police in the Northern Cape will continue to conduct intelligence-driven and high-density operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to prevent and combat crime and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Guardian 