Operation Shanela II aims to reduce contact and violent crimes in JTG

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Picture: The police conduct stops and search/Supplied   

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 June 2026 – During a day two of the execution of Operation Shanela II, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, continued with intelligence-driven operations in Kuruman on 5 June 2026, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and members from various SAPS stations, JTG District offices, Provincial units and external stakeholders. Otola said simultaneous roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were conducted, resulting in 461 vehicles and 613 persons being stopped and searched.

“Traffic fines amounting to R12 000 were issued for various contraventions of road traffic regulations. Teams conducted targeted disruptive actions in Kuruman and surrounding villages, which resulted in the closure of several shebeens and the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages.

“During the joint multi-disciplinary operation, Home Affairs Immigration Services arrested eight foreign nationals, aged between 37 and 48 years, for contravention of the Immigration Act. The police further conducted foot and vehicle patrols in the Kuruman Central Business District (CBD) to enhance visibility and ensure the safety and security of communities,” she said.

Otola further said she will continue with these operations across the five districts of the province. She added that the operations are focused on reducing contact and violent crimes in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District through strengthened collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and community partners.

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Northern Cape police in conjunction with CPFs combat crime 

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Picture: Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 June 2026 – Following the successful Operation Shanela II operations conducted in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, continued her crime-fighting efforts in the ZF Mgcawu District, where she led a series of disruptive actions aimed at combating criminality. Otola was accompanied by the District Commissioner of ZF Mgcawu, Major General Monica Sebili, members of the Community Policing Forum, Community in Blue, and members from surrounding police stations and specialised units in the greater Upington area.

She further said the operations included visits to taxi ranks, stop-and-search actions and high-visibility patrols. Otola added that compliance inspections were also conducted at formal and informal businesses, salons and food outlets.

“Officials from the Department of Home Affairs assisted police by verifying the immigration status of individuals found at these establishments. In addition, we hosted a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) awareness campaign at the Thembelihle Hall in Paballelo, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging communities to take a stand against GBV.

“Intelligence-driven operations led by senior management will continue unabated across the province to restore stability and intensify efforts to combat criminal activities,” she said.

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841 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: Some of dagga confiscated by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 June 2026 – Senior officers together with community structures and government departments in the Northern Cape ramped up crime combating initiatives by leading an aggressive stance on crime across all five districts. The zero tolerance against crime resulted in the arrest of 841 individuals in the Northern Cape during weeklong operations that commenced on 1 until 7 June 2026.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General, Johnny Besnaar, bolstered efforts in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District before proceeding to the ZF Mgcawu District. Ehlers said during the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 14 414 individuals and 6 797 vehicles were also searched.

“Detectives conducted tracing operations that yielded the arrest of several wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement and court appearances for various offences. Operational actions included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks.

“Furthermore, compliance inspections with relevant authorities were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, including tuck shops, hair salons and food outlets to ensure adherence to relevant legislation,” she said.

Ehlers further said as a result, 56 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations. She added that officials from the Department of Home Affairs were also present to verify the immigration status of individuals.

“In total, 841 suspects were arrested for offences linked to drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, property related crimes, murder, rape, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons, and copper cable were confiscated during the stop and search actions. Additionally, several community outreach programmes and awareness campaigns were held to promote youth month,” said Ehlers. 

She said child protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBH) were the prevalent focus areas. Ehlers said the Northern Cape SAPS remains steadfast and unwavering in its commitment to creating a safer environment.

“Law enforcement agencies will continue to close in on criminals, leaving no room for lawlessness to thrive. Communities can be assured that operations will remain intensified to safeguard lives and property,” she said.

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Four suspects nabbed during drug busts in Schweizer Reneke

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Picture: Four suspects nabbed for dealing in drugs

By STAFF REPORTER

7 June 2026 – Four suspects including three Nigerian nationals, are expected to appear before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 8 June 2026, following two separate drug-related arrests carried out by police this week. According to the information, the first arrest was made on 4 June 2026, after the police received information about suspected drug dealing activities in Schweizer Reneke.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the police obtained a search warrant and proceeded to an address in Van Wyk Street. Myburgh said, however, the suspects were located at the local taxi rank.

“They were escorted back to the property, while the officers conducted a search. During the operation, police allegedly discovered a variety of drugs such as mandrax, dagga and crystal meth. The police also seized dangerous weapons and metal items, including pieces of copper cable.

“A South African man (29) and a Nigerian national (35) were arrested at the scene. The police said preliminary investigations confirmed that the Nigerian suspect is legally in South Africa. In a separate incident on Saturday evening, 6 June, members conducting Operation Shanela stopped and searched a silver Hyundai in Impala Street,” she said.

Myburgh further said during the search, police allegedly found crystal meth concealed beneath the front passenger seat. Two Nigerian men aged 32 and 38, were immediately arrested. She added that the driver of the vehicle also faces an additional charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

“The arrests come after ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking and related crimes in the Mamusa area,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the latest arrests follow growing community pressure for tougher action against drug dealers. Last week, community members, the Ipelegeng Community Patrollers, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), gathered outside the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court in support of anti-drug initiatives when four other suspects appeared on similar charges.

These accused, Sello Lekgetho and Kgotla Ditira, as well as Nigerian nationals, Aloysious Ukokwa and Israel Ugwazi are facing charges relating to the possession of and dealing in drugs. The two Nigerian nationals remain in custody and are awaiting a bail ruling later this month on 23 June 2026.

Lekgetho and Ditira will make another court appearance on Monday and Tuesday.

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RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 June 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa will this evening address the nation on the government’s management approach to illegal migration and the recent surge in protests against foreign nationals. Ramaphosa will address the nation at Union Buildings, Pretoria on 7 June 2026 at 6pm.

SABC will provide a feed to all media and @PresidencyZA will live stream proceedings on various digital platforms.

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21 undocumented individuals arrested

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Picture: Law enforcement agents inspecting tuckshops for compliance/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

3 June 2026- Twenty one undocumented individuals were arrested during a multi-disciplinary compliance inspection operation that was conducted across the Greater Kimberley area on 2 June 2026. The SAPS from Kimberley, Galeshewe, Kagisho and Roodepan, as well as representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour, Sol Plaatje Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners, Peace Officers, and the Northern Cape Liquor Board, were part of the operation.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said operation aimed to ensure compliance with applicable legislation by local businesses, with particular focus on tuckshops and other business establishments operating within the area. Gopane said several business premises were inspected during the operation.

“As a result of non-compliance with municipal health regulations and other legislative requirements, 12 tuckshops were closed by the relevant authorities.

“Officials from the Department of Labour identified various labour-related transgressions and subsequently issued compliance notices to business owners, requiring corrective action within the prescribed timeframes,” she said.

Gopane further said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and government stakeholders in promoting regulatory compliance, safeguarding public health and addressing illegal activities within the greater Kimberley area.

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Four men nabbed for drug-related cases

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Picture: Ipelegeng Community Patrollers outside Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court

By STAFF REPORTER

2 June 2026 – Four men (two South African and two Nigerian nationals) briefly appeared in the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 1 June 2026, in separate drug-related cases that have drawn strong reactions from Ipelegeng community.

Outside the court, members of the Ipelegeng Community Patrollers, joined by the South African Communist Party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, and local residents in a peaceful gathering in support of anti-drug efforts. Community members say drug activity continues to harm families and young people, and they are demanding stronger action from the justice system.

The EFF voiced support for the Community Patrollers, praising their role in helping fight crime at grassroots level.

In court, two South African accused, Sello Lekgetho (33) and Kgotla Ditira (38), faced charges of possession of suspected drugs. They were arrested in Ipelegeng on 23 May 2026 during crime prevention operations. Both made brief appearances and were remanded in custody. Lekgetho returns on 8 June 2026, while Ditira is expected back on 9 June 2026.

In a separate case, Nigerian nationals Aloysious Ukokwa and Israel Ugwazi, already in custody since March 2026, appeared on drug-related allegations. Their matter has been postponed to 23 June 2026 for a bail ruling.

Investigation into both matters continues.

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Police are looking for missing Mabunda

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Picture: A missing boy, Tumelo Bennet Mabunda/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

2 June 2026 – The police in Mahikeng request the community’s assistance in locating missing Tumelo Bennet Mabunda (17) from Kagiso Township, Krugersdorp. Mabunda was last seen on 2 May 2026 at Bophelong Christian Centre, Mahikeng.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around Mahikeng and surrounding areas without any positive results. Skalkie said at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing blue jacket, grey T-shirt, and black pants.

“He is brown in complexion, with a slender built body, tall and is bald headed. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Manunda’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Saeed Lahri on 060 228 7572 or (018) 397 5310.

“Alternatively, call your local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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586 suspects nabbed for various offences across the province

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Picture: Suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 June 2026 – As part of ongoing efforts to stamp the authority of the state, weekly high-density Operation Shanela actions conducted between 25 and 31 May 2026, resulted in the arrest of 586 suspects for various offences across the province. The multi-disciplinary operations focused on stop-and-search actions, roadblocks, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), high visibility patrols, including foot patrols, tracing of wanted suspects, as well as inspections at 192 liquor outlets and 54 second-hand goods premises.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the arrested suspects include 14 for murder, 31 for robbery, 38 for rape, 182 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 84 for common assault, 20 for burglary at business and residential premises. Myburgh said this includes 7 for illegal possession of firearms and/or ammunition, 42 for contravention of the Immigration Act, 21 for illegal dealing in liquor, 6 for dealing in drugs, 62 for possession of drugs and 41 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Out of the 586 suspects, 307 were circulated wanted suspects, who were traced and apprehended by detectives after being linked to crimes through forensic DNA and other investigative leads.

“During the operations, police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products, liquor, dangerous weapons, two firearms, ammunition, and one vehicle. An unannounced Operation Shanela was conducted on Friday and Saturday nights, 29 and 30 May 2026 in Mahikeng and Lomanyaneng,” she said.

Myburgh further the operational team comprised members from the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) Unit, Crime Intelligence: Overt Operations, Mahikeng Communications and Home Affairs, leading to the arrest of 15 undocumented persons, mostly Malawian citizens.

She added that one employee was fined R1500 for employing an illegal immigrant, while another suspect (20) was arrested for possession of suspected illegal goods in contravention of Section 80(1)(a) of the Customs and Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964.

“The police seized cigarettes valued at close to R10 000. One suspect was arrested for possession of drugs, while another person was fined for selling liquor without a license,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their continued efforts and said that Operation Shanela continuous to deliver tangible results in the fight against crime. Naidoo commended the teams for their cooperation in ensuring a safer environment for all in the province.

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Illicit goods worth over R200 000 confiscated

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes confiscated/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 June 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo has commended law enforcement agencies and regulatory partners for the successful execution of coordinated illicit goods operations conducted between 25 and 30 May 2026 in Rustenburg, Brits, Marikana and Hartbeespoort Dam. Naidoo said the intelligence-driven operations formed part of ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit and illicit goods, protect consumers from potentially harmful products, and safeguard the country’s economy from criminal activities linked to illicit trade.

He further said the operations were conducted through a collaborative approach involving the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Customs, SARS Tactical Analysis and Investigation Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) Rustenburg, Anti-Gang Unit, Phokeng K9 Unit, TRT Brits, Hartbeespoort Dam K9 Unit, North West Provincial Commercial Crime Unit, Brand Protectors, and the National Regulator for Consumer Specifications (NRCS). Naidoo added that during the operations, authorities seized a wide range of suspected counterfeit and illicit products, including branded clothing, sports apparel, sneakers, toys, cosmetics, high-end fashion accessories, medication, and various consumable goods.

“A total of 178 825 items were seized with an estimated value of approximately R219 402 199. In addition, the NRCS confiscated 12 009 non-compliant items, including canned and frozen meat and fish products, consumables, electronics, and small household appliances, with an estimated value of R102 137 270.

“Law enforcement officials also seized cash amounting to R118 400 during the operations. A criminal case was registered in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act following the discovery of unregistered medication. Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been effected at this stage,” he said.

Naidoo said furthermore, illicit alcohol with an estimated value of R127 000 was seized, while counterfeit alcohol valued at R18 500 was also confiscated. He praised the dedication and cooperation demonstrated by all participating agencies and stakeholders, noting that the success of the operation underscores the importance of an integrated law enforcement approach in addressing organised crime and illicit trade.

“The seizure of counterfeit, illicit and non-compliant goods send a strong message that law enforcement agencies remain committed to protecting consumers, legitimate businesses and the economy from criminal activities.

“The police will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of illicit goods in the province,” said Naidoo.

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