869 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Suspected illegal firearm confiscated/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 February 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo reiterated that the 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 16 and 22 February 2026, a total of 869 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) 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.

He further said 59 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Naidoo added that during the operations, 491 premises, 10 839 persons and 5 916 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, nine dangerous weapons, four handguns, four rifles, a shotgun, 13kg of copper cables, 12 kg of precious metals, tobacco products, vehicles and electrical equipment.

“On Monday night, 16 February 2026, information received was operationalised and a search warrant was executed at a residence in Arendskloof, Safari Tuine in Rustenburg. Two unlicensed firearms were found with numerous rounds of ammunition that the resident could not account for,” he said.

Naidoo said the accused, Barend Johannes De Lange (32) was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as the negligent handling of a firearm. He said De Lange briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2026, and was granted bail of R2 000.

“His case was postponed to 14 May 2026. In a second unrelated incident reported on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, information received led police to Vreesgewaagde Village, near Delareyville.

“The accused, Ezekiel Mosikimang Mongwegi (46) was arrested after a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, as well as ammunition, was found in his possession. He briefly appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 20 February 2026, for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence. His case was remanded in custody until 10 March 2026,” said Naidoo.

He said in a third unrelated incident reported in Bloemhof on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, a tuck shop was robbed in Boitumelong. Naidoo said an accused, Goitsemodimo Kenny Pitso (20) allegedly entered the tuck shop, pointed a firearm at the owner (32) and fired one shot in his direction.

“He then fled the scene without taking anything, no injuries were sustained. The community members who heard the gunshot immediately reported the incident to police, who responded swiftly. Members of Public Order Policing (POP), with the assistance of community members, traced Pitso to a nearby house where he was hiding.

“He was arrested and a 9mm firearm believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was found and confiscated. Further investigation revealed that the firearm, which belonged to a family member of Pitso, had been stolen by him. The owner of the firearm is also under investigation for the negligent handling of a firearm,” he said.

Naidoo said Pitso appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted business robbery, attempted murder and theft of a firearm on Friday, 20 February 2026. He said the case was remanded in custody until 11 March 2026.

“We welcome the results achieved. The police will remain resolute in their mission to decisively deal with serious and violent crime in the North West Province. Operation Shanela 2 demonstrates the police’s commitment to proactive policing, high-visibility operations and coordinated law enforcement efforts.

“We 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,” said Naidoo.

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Unemployment rate shows biggest drop 

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

24 February 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said his province continues to demonstrate an upward trend in job creation following the recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey. Mokgosi said according to Statistics South Africa (SSA), whilst the official unemployment rate in the country decreased by 0.5% point, the province recorded the largest drop of 6.2% in the country last year.

He further said in the last two quarters of 2025, the province cumulatively created close to 80 000 jobs, with agriculture, construction and public service being the largest contributors in employment. Mokgosi maintains the implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) is well underway and is beginning to yield desired results.

“We officially adopted the PGDS last year to drive economic growth and create jobs. We are now starting to witness an upward trajectory on our job creation initiatives, which have culminated in the reduction of unemployment by over six percent. 

“Of concern is the extended unemployment rate which was reduced by a measly 1.9% in the same period. Participating in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate more recently, I flagged a litany of intervention measures aimed at addressing the scourge of unemployment in the province,” he added. 

Mokgosi said this includes the resuscitation of the Pilanesberg International Airport to reincarnate commercial activities in the tourism sector in and around the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. He said this Friday, they will be signing a memorandum of understanding with the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to see the full implementation of our plans for the Pilanesberg Airport. 

“I am therefore hopeful that these activities will result in more job creation opportunities for the people of North West,” concluded Mokgosi.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in North West, Freddy Sonakile said: “Mokgosi celebrates a drop in numbers while the province drops the ball. The government is turning the corner. While any real job creation is welcome, the people of this province deserve substance, not selective statistics, recycled promises, and governance by press release.

“A year-on-year decline in the official unemployment rate does not, in itself, demonstrate a sustainable economic recovery. The lived reality across the North West remains one of collapsing municipal services, deteriorating roads, unreliable water supply, failing infrastructure, and shrinking local economies.”

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Monna o tshwaretswe polao

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Picture: A man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping/Generic

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

23 Tlhakole 2026- Monna o solofotswe go tlhagelela lwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le polao. Go begwa fa monna o, a tlhabile le go bolaya monna wa kwa nageng ya Nigeria, Ike John Chukwu Okike ka thipa.

Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse kwa toropong ya Taung fa kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 13 ngwaga o fetileng. Go begwa fa mmelaelwa o tshwerwe ka Labone o fetileng.

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Residents workshopped on currency-related matters

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Picture: Community members workshopped on currency-related issues/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 February 2026 – The Community Police Forum (CPF) and its sub-structures, small businesses, and community members, were workshopped by members of the Reserve Bank on currency-related matters. This initiative was spearheaded by the Reserve Bank of South Africa and facilitated by Phenyo Marumo and his team.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said Currency Management Department of the South African Reserve Bank proactively selected three towns in the Namakwa region as part of a deliberate outreach initiative, recognising that these communities had no direct involvement with the institution. Magerman said the intervention was aimed at ensuring proactive awareness and education on banknotes and coins is provided before being exposed and subjected to criminal activities.

“Given the geographical distance of areas such as Steinkopf, Springbok and Port Nolloth and the limited access to first-hand information due to geographical constraints, the on-site activation enabled the SARB to extend its reach and engage with a broader audience across the Northern Cape.

“Participants were also reminded that 10c, 20c and 50c coins remain legal tender and must be accepted for transactions. The sessions concluded with a practical demonstration of the look, feel, tilt method, empowering the audience to authenticate banknotes using visible and tactile security features, without the need for specialised equipment such as UV lights,” he said.

Magerman further said this hands-on approach equipped communities with the knowledge. He added that, this will also bring confidence to them, transact with confidence and identify genuine currency to safeguard themselves against counterfeit currency.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, extended his gratitude to the team from the Reserve Bank for their invaluable contribution towards educating local communities about counterfeit currency and to prevent them from falling victim to such related crimes.

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A man for being in possession of tortoise

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Picture: A tortoise seized by the police/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

22 February 2026 – On 20 February 2026, a man (58) from Brandvlei, found himself on the wrong side of the law after he was found in possession of a protected tortoise, which he allegedly intended to sell. Acting on a tip-off, the police swiftly operationalised the information and proceeded to a street in Brandvlei, where the suspect was located.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the man was found in possession of a tortoise and was unable to produce the required permit authorising him to keep the protected animal. Magerman said the suspect was subsequently arrested and charged under the Nature Conservation Act for the illegal possession of a protected animal.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, reminded the public that the possession, trade, or transportation of protected wildlife without the necessary permits is a serious criminal offence. Andrews said they are also urged to report such incidents to the nearest police station or to contact the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or utilise the MySaps app.

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Hit and run claims a life

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 February 2026 – The police in Nababeep are requesting the public to assist with information following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of an unidentified man in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February 2026, at approximately 5:25am. The police responded to a complaint of an unknown person lying unresponsive in the middle of the Goodhouse road in Concordia. Upon arrival of the police , an unknown man was discovered with injuries.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the medical personnel declared him dead on the scene. Magerman said the preliminary investigations confirmed that the victim had been struck by a motor vehicle and the driver allegedly fled the scene.

“The victim was found in possession of one pair of beige veldskoene with dark brown shoe laces, which may assist in identifying him. Nababeep police are investigating a culpable homicide case.

“The investigating officer, Sergeant Enrico Cloete of the Nababeep Detective Branch can be contacted on 076 110 3174 or the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or via the MySaps app,” he said.

Magerman further said the police are requesting any person who can assist in identifying the deceased based on the information provided or has information on the vehicle that was involved in the accident to contact Cloete. He added that all information will be treated confidentially.

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A man nabbed for theft of cables

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Picture: A suspect nabbed for theft of cables/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 February 2026- A man (24) was arrested for theft of cables during the persistent efforts of Olifantshoek Detectives and Visible Policing units, together with Provincial Proactive Policing. The incident resulted in a water outage in the town for nearly three weeks.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said on 21 February 2026, the police was executing duties under Operation Shanela 2, when they successfully traced and apprehended the suspect. Ehlers said he is expected to appear in Olifantshoek Magistrate’s Court on a charge of tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure.

“The safeguarding of essential infrastructure remains a priority for the SAPS in the Northern Cape. The police have reiterated their commitment to bringing the full might of the law against perpetrators of such crimes,” she said.

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Two suspects nabbed for possession of drugs

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Picture: One of the suspects nabbed for possession of drugs/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 February 2026- Two suspects aged 33 and 35 were arrested for possession of drugs on separate occasions. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding suspected drug outlets in Delportshoop on 21 February 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said an integrated team comprising members of the Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team, together with Frances Baard District Crime Intelligence, Kimberley Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Kimberley Public Order Police (POP) operationalised the information. Shemane said the police confiscated crystal meth (tik), dagga, and a substantial amount of cash.

“A suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. The police then proceeded to the second identified address, where a suspect (35), was arrested after being found in possession of mandrax tablets and dagga.

“Drugs with an estimated street value of R5000 were seized. The police also confiscated a cellphone and cash believed to be proceeds of crime,” he said.

Shemane further said as part of ongoing operations, members also conducted patrols as well as stop-and-search actions in Mataleng, Barkly West, during the African National Congress (ANC) Frances Baard District January 8 celebration. He added that the operations will continue unabated in the fight against illicit mining and related crimes.

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A taxi driver nabbed for possession of dagga

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Picture: Dagga seized by the police during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 February 2026 – A foreign national (26) was arrested near the Vioolsdrif Border in the Northern Cape on the evening of Friday, 20 February 2026, after being found in possession of hydroponic dagga valued at approximately R90 000. The arrest followed a random police search conducted on a taxi travelling from Cape Town to Namibia.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said during the search, the police discovered the illicit substance concealed inside the spare wheel compartment of the vehicle. Litabe said upon questioning, the taxi driver failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the contraband.

“As a result, the suspect was arrested and charged with dealing in dagga. The suspect is expected to appear in the Vioolsdrift Magistrate’s Court on 23 February 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commander, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for their swift response and vigilance, which led to the successful arrest.

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Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo to meet with Dryharts community following sporadic water supply

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo

By OBAKENG MAE

21 February 2026- The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo will on Monday, conduct an urgent oversight visit at Pudimoe Water Treatment Works located 17km north of Taung and will also interact with members of the community of Dryharts. This follows sporadic water supply in Dryharts and the surrounding villages in Greater Taung Local Municipality, resulting in recent community unrest in the affected area.

Seitlholo said his visit aims to assess water supply challenges and identify immediate and long-term interventions, evaluate planned or existing projects intended to improve sustainable water provision. He further said he will also ensure that there is sound coordinated action between the Department, Greater Taung Local Municipality and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality to restore reliable and sustainable water services to the affected communities.

“We will have a ministerial briefing at Greater Taung Local Municipality Political Boardroom from 9am – 10am before we embark on an oversight visit at Pudimoe WTW In Ward 5. We will then have a community engagement programme at Dryharts Tribal Office from 12pm to 1pm,” said Seitlholo.

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