Tag Archives: assaults

A total of 1080 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 April 2025– A total of 1080 suspects were arrested for a variety of crimes ranging from robberies, murders, attempted murders, burglaries, assaults, illegal dealing and possession of drugs, selling of liquor without license, driving under the influence of liquor, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition during Operation Shanela.

During weekly joint law enforcement operations conducted under Operation Shanela, 111 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act and are currently being processed through the courts before being deported by the department of Home Affairs back to their countries.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said 538 out of the 1080 suspects, were circulated wanted after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Myburgh said Gender Based Violence (GBV), including domestic violence, continues to be a serious problem and a cause for serious and Violent crimes as evident by a tragic love triangle murder that took place in Blydeville, Lichtenburg on 7 April 2025.

“A man (35) was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend (32), after apparently arriving home and finding the deceased in the company of another woman. The suspect, Mmadira Catherine Monyane, was arrested and appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 April 2025, charged with murder, where she was granted R500 bail. Her case was postponed until 29 May 2025.

“Members of the public are constantly warned and advised to be vigilant and to take their personal and others safety and security seriously,” she said. 

Myburgh further said on 9 April 2025, Detectives arrested two suspects in Extension 1, Itsoseng. She added that, the arrest of the two suspects aged 25 and 41, follows an earlier incident, which started in Bodibe village, next to Itsoseng, when a girl (20), who was waiting for public transport was offered a lift in a vehicle in which the two were travelling in.

“It is alleged that after driving for a few kilometres and not far from her home, the passenger, who was sitting at the back, suddenly threatened the victim with a firearm before robbing her of her handbag and other belongings,” said Myburgh.

She said the victim, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, opened the window and screamed for help, whilst the driver sped off only to drop the victim far away and unharmed. Myburgh said unbeknown to the suspects, one alert member of the public had identified the make, colour and registration number of the suspect’s vehicle and the information was shared with the police, who were already in the area, leading to the suspect’s vehicle being stopped and the immediate arrest of the suspects.

“The accused, Tebogo Peter Monare (25) and Molefe Samuel Motshabi (41), were immediately arrested and charged with robbery. They have been remanded in custody after their first court appearance before the Ditsobotla Magistrate’s Court.

“They are expected back in court on 22 April 2025. The public is advised to report crime at your nearest police station or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” she said.

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More than 429 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: The police in Northern Cape arrested more than 429 suspects during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 December 2024- More than 429 suspects were arrested during the weekly safer festive season operations such as Operation Shanela. This includes wanted suspects for crimes such as illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape and illegal dealing in liquor.

Others were arrested for dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, house breaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela continues to enhance and strengthen efforts to curb crime as they approach the New Year celebrations. Kock said actions were executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas.  

“In total, 31 124 police actions and activities with the emphasis on high density disruptive operations were executed from 23 until 29 December 2024. These police activities included vehicle control points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and visits to farms and mines.

“Numerous VCPs and static roadblocks were conducted across the province on all national and secondary roads, during which 6368 vehicles were stopped and 16 988 persons were searched. Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises. Mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited,” he said.

Kock further said during the operations, the police confiscated firearms, cell phones, dangerous weapons, large volumes of alcoholic beverages, mandrax, tik, dagga and money believed to be proceeds of crime.

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly during New Year celebrations and beyond. Otola reiterated that a zero tolerance approach will be adopted.

“The abuse and misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated. Crimes committed against women and children will be vigorously policed. Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings and pleasure resorts.

“We urge communities to adhere to by-laws pertaining to the discharging of fireworks and illegal spinning as all perpetrators will face the full might of the law. Road safety will be prioritised and motorists are warned that they can expect to be detained if found transgressing the rules of the road,” said Otola.

She added that the authority of the state will be stamped down as they head into 2025.

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More than 600 suspects arrested during Operation Shanela in North West!

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Picture: The police nabbed 689 suspects during Operation Shanela/Generic  

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 600 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were arrested for various crimes including dealing in drugs, business robberies, murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, assaults, fraud, and burglaries.

Funani said eight wanted individuals were amongst the suspects. She further said 51 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

“The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects, and many others.

“The operation also culminated in the confiscations of various drugs, four handguns, one rifle, 30 ammunition, two computers, liquor, and copper cables. Operation Shanela that is aimed at fighting crime and ensuring that the citizens feel safe, keeps on producing good results,” said Funani.

She added that, 689 suspects were arrested across North West between 14 and 17 September 2023.

“In one of the operations on Friday, the Detectives and Support Personnel, Provincial Organised Crime operationalised information regarding alleged drug dealing activity in Zakhele, Ikageng. A search warrant was applied for and executed at the identified place. 

“During the search, a man was spotted attempting to flush down the drain 12 mandrax tablets. A further search in the tuckshop led to the discovery of 14 bags, 60 litres of dagga, and 116 mandrax tablets, all with estimated street value of R173 00,” said Funani.

She said all four suspects aged between 19 and 38, were arrested and are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for dealing in drugs. Funani said in Klipgat, a tactical operation by the local detectives and Brits Crime Intelligence on Friday, resulted in the arrest of two suspects for house robbery.

“The suspects were arrested after the team followed up on information about wanted suspects. The first suspect was arrested at Lekgema Section and found in possession of suspected stolen cell phone. Further investigation led to the recovery of suspected stolen goods such as plasma television, gas stove, blankets, a pair of shoes and music system at Sofasonke Section,” she said.

According to Funani, the other two suspects were successfully traced and arrested in Madidi village. She said one of the suspects was found to be in possession of unlicensed firearm and three ammunition. She said the suspects aged 33, 37 and 40 are expected to appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court today. 

All other arrested suspects are expected to make their court appearances in different courts between today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for their continuous hard work and ensure that, perpetrators are put behind bars.

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