Tag Archives: assault

392 suspects nabbed for various offences

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Picture: The police seized homemade beer/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 November 2025- More than 392 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, murder, rape, assault, burglary and of wanted suspects, who were evading arrest. Operation Shanela 2 actions are gaining momentum in the province as operations are targeted and intelligence driven.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in addition to the Shanela 2 high density operations, Operation Basadi actions were also conducted under the operational command of the three female District Commissioners of Pixely Ka-Seme, Frances Baard and ZFM Districts respectively. Shemane said female Provincial Heads also took the lead during operations across the province.

“The weekly high density operations were executed since 17 until 23 November 2025. Targeted operations were conducted in collaboration with multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams in all five districts. Disruptive actions led to the stopping of 15 576 motor vehicles and searches of 27 516 persons during numerous roadblocks and vehicle check points (VCPs) conducted.

“Detectives traced and arrested wanted suspects evading court appearances and for whom warrants of arrests were issued. Drugs, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, ammunition, cell phones, computers, drugs, firearm, tobacco products, vehicle parts and accessories and other commodities were confiscated during the operations,” he said.

Shemane further said compliance inspections were conducted at farms, mines, formal and informal businesses, liquor outlets, and second-hand goods dealers.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the multi-disciplinary teams across five districts for their decisive crime combatting efforts in ensuring our communities feel safe and are safe during and beyond the festive season period. Otola cited that no person will be left behind, including the communities, who are the eyes and ears of the police.

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Nine suspects in court for kidnapping, murder and malicious damage to property

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 September 2025 – Nine suspects including a woman (54), believed to be a mine operator, her son (20) and six others believed to be her security enforcers from KwaZulu-Natal are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2025, on charges of kidnapping, murder, assault, malicious damage to property and attempted murder.

The eight suspects were arrested on 2 and 3 September 2025, by a multidisciplinary Investigation Team comprised of Provincial Murder and Robbery, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Sun City Detectives, which was established by the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng following the killing of five men at an open cast mine in Tlhatlaganyane on 2 September 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects’ charges relate to the case of kidnapping and murder that was reported to the police in Sun City on 17 July 2025, where a victim was kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to take the suspects to a person they were looking for, who was eventually shot and killed.  

Myburgh said out of nine suspects, two were positively linked with another case opened in Sun City on 14 August 2025, and they will face additional charges of malicious damage to property, kidnapping, assault and attempted murder.

“The police investigations are ongoing and there are possibilities for more arrests, including further charges against the suspects,” she said.

In reacting to the arrests, Asaneng said: “It is through the excellent and expeditious work by the multi-disciplinary team that was tasked to investigate circumstances that led to the killing of the five men at a chrome mining site in Tlhatlaganyane that has led to the arrest of these suspects and it is hoped that their arrest will help bring some semblance of stability and normalcy in the highly contested and violent and crime ridden chrome mining sector in that area, especially because they are linked to previously reported cases that were reported to the police in that area. 

“These arrests should send a stern warning to others who are still engaged in illegal mining and brazen lawlessness that they will soon face the full might of the law.”

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308 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police seized home-made beer/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 August 2025- More than 308 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary, theft, illegal possession of ammunition, malicious damage to property and illegal dealing in liquor.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said this includes possession of dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft out of motor vehicles, possession and dealing in drugs, illicit mining, stock theft, as well as undocumented immigrants.

Sam said several wanted suspects were traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.

“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash that are believed to be the proceeds of crime. Numerous awareness campaigns aimed at women emancipation and gender-based violence were activated across the province in conjunction with the Women’s Network and Men for Change, as well as community policing structures.

“Operation Shanela remains focused in clamping down on crime in the province. This is evident in the weekly arrests and police actions executed from 25 until 31August 2025, with the focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspot areas which netted 308 suspects,” he said.

Sam further said actions and police activities executed during the operations include, vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling actions. He added that several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 3546 vehicles and 6663 persons were stopped and searched.

“Numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. Otola said Operation Shanela II successes are due to improved collaboration between the private sector and communities in the fight against crime.

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George Barnett Peters back in the Northern Cape High Court for trial

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Picture: George Barnett Peters back in the Northern Cape High Court for trial/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 March 2025- The accused, George Barnett Peters and 16 others aged between 21 and 36, are expected to appear in the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for trial. The trial is scheduled to take place from 17-28 March 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the group is facing numerous charges of aiding and abetting of criminal gang activities, 350 charges of money laundering, racketeering, murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, insurance fraud, kidnapping, rape, assault, conspiracy to commit murder and contravention of Section 9 Act 121 of 1998 Gang related offenses.

Thebe said Chane Adams (28), Shawnwin Smith (25), Henry Blom (28), Estee Sade Lawan (25), Bincent Rosen (37), Michael Peters (30), Semone Rose (30), Thabo Sekopano (36), Stephanie McAnda (22), Britney Arends (21), Janine Plaatjie (22) and Abigail Van Wyk (24), were arrested on 4 and 6 May 2023, in a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of Hawks Serious Organized Crime Investigation and Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, Provincial Serious Organized Crime team and Crime Prevention.

“The accused persons were arrested in Kimberley and Kuruman simultaneously. It is alleged that between August 2020 and March 2023, a well-known gang from Kimberley was engaged in the above-mentioned criminal activities.

“During the arrest, one of the accused was found in possession of mandrax tablets and an undisclosed amount of money, which were confiscated for further investigation. An additional case against the accused (Shawnwin Smith) was registered for dealing in drugs,” he said.

Thebe further said members of Kimberley Serious Organised Crime Investigating team managed to successfully oppose bail against the group and only two (Chanaaz Mentor and Henry Blom) of the accused managed to be granted bail in October 2023, after a lengthy bail application process. He added other members of the group whom were arrested at different times and locations, include accomplices Deon May, Clive Peters, Nico Hofuza, Pameston Mentoor and Tshepo Malimbi.

“The case continues before the Northern Cape High Court sititng in Kimberley on 18 March 2025,” said Thebe.

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More than 186 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of the items seized by the police

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 January 2025- More than 186 suspects arrested during Operation Shanela, that is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on 20 until 26 January 2025.

The suspects were arrested for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as undocumented illegal immigrants and wanted persons.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela focuses on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspot areas. Kock said in total, 9900 actions and police activities were executed, which included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling.

“Numerous vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks, were conducted across the province

during which 1929 vehicles and 4623 persons were stopped and searched. Various compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed.

“Random schools were also visited with Safer Schools representatives of both the Education Department and South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of the disruptive actions,” he said.

Kock further said the police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non-ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that the success of Operation Shanela in the province is as a result of stakeholder collaboration. Otola said the robust involvement of the community and all other relevant role players in crime fighting endeavours is pivotal in dismantling criminal activities, thus ensuring that no one is left behind.

“We invite the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said.

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More than 203 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some if drugs confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 January 2025- More than 203 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela in Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said this includes robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, stock theft and other crimes.

Sam said Operation Shanela, remains steadfast in its objective to reduce contact and violent crimes as schools are gearing up to start the 2025 school year.

“The weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on 6 until 12 January 2025, was executed in the five districts as preparations for the reopening of schools started.

“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling,” he said.

Sam further said several vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 2422 vehicles and 4780 persons were stopped and searched. He added that numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses as well as farms were executed.

“The police in Kuruman, while executing crime prevention patrols, received information from the public of a wanted suspect who was seen walking in one of the streets. The police followed up the information and arrested the suspect who was allegedly involved in a case, where a security officer was shot with his own firearm.

“The police also confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, fireworks and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. Otola indicated that the police will promote safer schools’ initiatives during the Back to School Campaigns.

“The police will ensure visibility in and around schools, monitoring the carrying or storage of dangerous objects, and the possession or entry of alcohol or illegal drugs.

“Through robust community participation and support, the police’s actions will be strengthened. We appreciate the public’s efforts in fighting crime together,” she said.

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More than 382 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

More than 382 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, this includes illicit mining, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of suspected stolen stock, undocumented illegal immigrants, possession of precious metals, as well as illegal dealing in liquor that resulted in the closure of 10 liquor outlets.

Kock said 143 wanted suspects were traced and arrested by detectives for evading court appearances and contravening court orders.

“Operation Shanela is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation and commenced from 15 until 21 April 2024, with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots. Actions and police activities, executed during the disruptive actions.

“Activities include vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, smuggling of drugs and other commodities. VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2270 vehicles and 4617 persons were stopped and searched,” he said.

Kock further said the police have executed several actions, which included numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.

He added that the police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages and non-ferrous metal items during inspections. 

“The police also seized a large amount of drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing during different raids and operations across the province,” said Kock. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that the success of Operation Shanela is due to the support of various communities and the multi-disciplinary approach with several role players. Otola said they will unabatedly continue to combat any unlawful actions and ensure special care to victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).

“The police invite the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said. 

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More than 216 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

More than 216 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, illicit mining, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of suspected stolen stock, undocumented illegal immigrants, possession of precious metals, as well as illegal dealing in liquor. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, this resulted in the closure of 10 liquor outlets. Sam said 871 daily wanted suspects were traced and arrested by detectives for evading court appearances and contravening court orders.

“Actions and police activities executed during Operation Shanela, which is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation. The operation commenced from 18 until 24 March 2024, with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspots.

“The disruptive actions include Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, smuggling of drugs and other commodities. VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 3244 vehicles and 5999 persons were stopped and searched,” he said.

Sam further said the police also confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages and non-ferrous metal items during inspections. He added that drugs valued at R10 000 were seized at a roadblock between Askham and Upington in the ZF Mgcawu District, as well as cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“Numerous compliance inspections at secondhand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed,” said Sam. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that the success of Operation Shanela, guarantees the human rights of the residents of Northern Cape. Otola said the police will combat any unlawful violence against its citizens and ensure special care to victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“We invite the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said. 

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A rapist sentenced to 11 life terms and 363 years imprisonment for committing slew of rapes

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Picture: The rape convict, Ontsheketse Tshabile/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A rapist (43) has been sentenced to 11 life terms imprisonment by the North West High sitting in Klerksdorp for various rapes he committed. Johannes Ontsheketse Tshabile, also sentenced to 363 years for other serious charges that include nine charges of rape, attempted murder, theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances, robbery, attempted robbery, assault, assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, attempt to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault.

Tshabile, who was on the list of the most wanted criminals in the North West, pleaded not guilty to all 65 charges which the court found him guilty on.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Tshabile’s criminal activities took place in Wolmaransstad between December 2012 and May 2018. Myburgh said he accosted unsuspecting women on the streets.

“Tshabile would then drag them to nearby fields, threaten them with a knife, rob them of their belongings and rape them before fleeing the scene. In some instances, he would strangle, stab with a knife and assault with bricks and other objects before robbing and raping his victims.

“He would in some instances, accost couples and attack the male counterparts and assault them before robbing and raping their partners after they had fled the scene. Amongst his victims, were a girl (15) and an elderly woman (65), who endured the pain in his hands,” she said.

Myburgh further said it also emerged in court that, in some incidents, he was accompanied by an unknown accomplice who also committed similar offences with him. She added that, Tshabile was linked to the offences through DNA specimens.

“Tshabile was arrested in 2019 following an intensive police investigation and the court denied him bail. He also managed to escape from the Wolmaransstad Police Station, aided by a police officer. However, he was later re-arrested and the police officer was dismissed from duty and criminally charged.

“The matter is still pending in court. In aggravation of the sentence, Adv Riekie Krause, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, considering the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma suffered by the victims in the hands of Tshabile,” she said.

Krause urged the court to consider the Victim Impact Statements, wherein the victims describe their ordeal and the trauma they continue to suffer in their day-to-day lives, owing to the rape and assault incidents.

Judge Tebogo Djadje, agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the court has in protecting society against such perpetrators, particularly after they lived in fear for almost six years. She described Tshabile as remorseless and having no regard for women and children.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Pule Morake from the South African Police Service (SAPS) for ensuring that the victims were afforded the justice they deserve.

They commended the role played by the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) for discharging their mandate of prioritising sexual offences cases and the Thuthuzela Care Center for providing the necessary support to the victims in preparation for trial.

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More than 369 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: The police conduct stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 369 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle and illegal possession of firearms.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Timothy Sam said this includes illicit mining, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as undocumented illegal immigrants.

“The suspects were also apprehended for stock theft and illegal possession of ammunition. The actions and police activities executed during the operations included, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling.

“Several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 3194 vehicles and 5657 persons were stopped and searched. Numerous compliance inspections at secondhand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were also executed,” he said.

Sam further said Operation Shanela is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation, which commenced on 25-28 January 2024 with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes.

“More than 109 daily wanted suspects were also traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.

“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. She commended the community for their support and being whistle-blowers by reporting crime.

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