By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 December 2025 – As part of the ongoing 2025/2026 Safer Festive Season weekly high-density (Shanela 2) operations, police in the province have arrested 827 suspects for various crimes, including 398 known suspects by detectives during suspect raiding operations between 24 to 30 November 2025. The suspects included 16 arrested for dealing in drugs, 40 for illegal dealing in liquor, 150 for possession of drugs, 44 for rape, 9 for murder, 196 for assault common and assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 26 for burglary at business and residential premises and 59 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said 36 illegal immigrants were arrested for contravening section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. Myburgh said police confiscated a variety of items, including liquor, drugs, precious metals, tobacco products, 35 rounds of ammunition and seven vehicles.
“As part of the actions executed during the operations, 403 premises, 3 251 persons and 3 773 vehicles were searched, and 79 unlicensed liquor premises were closed out of 702 liquor premises that were inspected,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said that the Safer Festive Season High Density Operations, which are coordinated, conducted and commanded by District Commissioners and Senior Officers in the province, are gradually decreasing the high levels of crime. Naidoo welcomed the commendable work done by all members in cooperation with other role players as this continues to keep the community safe during this period.
The Guardian 