By REGINALD KANYANE
29 September 2026 – The police in North West continue to intensify the fight against crime through Operation Shanela 2, conducted from 14 until 26 September 2026. The multidisciplinary coordinated operations were carried out across the province.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said operations focused on stop-and-search actions and roadblocks, including Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), high-visibility patrols at hotspot areas, and suspect raids. Skalkie said the police inspected 284 liquor outlets, 13 unlicensed liquor premises were closed.
“In addition, a total of 898 premises, 3687 persons and 1374 vehicles were searched. During the suspect raiding operations, the detectives arrested 669 suspects. Other suspects were arrested for various offences including 9 illegal possession of firearms, 2 possession of ammunition and I possession of explosives.
“Fifteen suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, 17 possession of illegal cigarettes, 58 illegal dealing in liquor and 137 possession of drugs. Twenty two suspects were arrested for robbery, aggravating, 13 for business robbery, two robbery residence, 13 for murder and 9 for rape,” she said.
Skalkie said three suspects were arrested for attempted murder, 194 for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 129 for assault common, 39 for burglary of business premises, 33 for burglary of residential premises, 181 for driving under the influence of liquor and 56 for malicious damage to property. She said 154 illegal migrants were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.
“During the operation, the police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products, liquor, as well as five handguns, two rifles and seven vehicles,” said Skalkie.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, has welcomed the results of the operation and commended the multidisciplinary teams and other crime fighting stakeholders for their continued efforts to fight crime.
