Picture: The police officials during parade/Google
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dispelled misinformation circulating on social media regarding an old advertisement to recruit 10 000 entry level police trainees. This comes after the SAPS received numerous enquiries regarding this.
The SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said this particular application process had already closed on 31 August 2023. Van Wyk further said the first batch of 4 500 trainees for the 2024/2025 intake have already embarked with training at various SAPS academies across the country.
“The second batch of 5 500 recruits will commence with training in January 2025 and this process is yet to be finalised. Community members are encouraged to visit the SAPS’ website and other official social media platforms to stay informed of advertised posts,” she added.
More than 580 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for robbery aggravating, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol and many others. Myburgh further said in addition, 22 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“Out of 325 suspects, 166 were wanted and nabbed during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. In one of the incidents reported on 29 June 2024, Ethiopian tuck shop owner (64), in Maboloka village, near Letlhabile, was robbed of cash and cigarettes by three suspects.
“The police managed to trace a suspect and arrested him shortly after the incident was reported. The accused (24), briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of business robbery,” she said.
She added that as part of the actions executed during the operations, 128 premises, 1910 persons and 1100 vehicles were searched. Myburgh said the operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, 3 firearms, fuel, cellular phones, a variety of drugs and 2 vehicles.
“The police in the province, working together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to put suspects behind bars through Operation Shanela,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members and other law enforcement agencies for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to ensure the well-being of the communities through crime prevention and combating operations.
Picture: Some of items confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 258 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested by multi-disciplinary teams in all five districts for crimes such as illegal possession of firearms, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault and burglary.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Detectives traced and arrested 103 wanted suspects for serious crimes, including business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.
Ehlers said the multi-disciplinary teams conducted the searching of premises, stop and search actions, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, roadblocks, and vehicle check points.
“A total of 21 863 persons and 11 436 vehicles were stopped and searched. Twelve unlicensed liquor outlets were closed, and over 2 000 litres of alcohol was confiscated. A considerable amount of drugs, counterfeit goods, and dangerous weapons were seized during the actions.
“Operation Shanela will not relax efforts to combat priority crimes in hotspot areas in order to secure the safety of all inhabitants and essential infrastructures in the Northern Cape,” she said.
Ehlers further said the Operation Shanela said was executed from 17 to 23 June 2024, throughout the Northern Cape to address priority crimes, including illegal firearms, contact crimes, trio crimes and aggravating robbery.
More than 900 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela across the North West. The suspects were arrested for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the Operation Shanela will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens. Mokgwabone further said this became evident when 904 suspects were apprehended between 22 until 28 April 2024.
“A total of 374 suspects were arrested during the Detectives suspect raiding operations. In addition, 43 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“The operations also led to visiting and searching of 95 premises. Moreover, 2 622 persons and 1 477 vehicles were searched during various actions executed to ensure general safety,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that, in Potchefstroom, two operations were conducted on 26 April 2024. He said eight arrests were made by the police of crime prevention between 03:30 and 07:30 for shoplifting, common robbery, possession of drugs, fraud and theft.
“During a second operation conducted by support services personnel, Provincial Traffic, Tourism, the Department of Trade and Industry and Community in Blue patrollers at a roadblock held at the Weighbridge on the N12 road between 09:00 and 11:00, 504 vehicles and 233 persons were searched.
“Furthermore, seven second hand goods premises were visited and patrols conducted in the Central Business District (CBD), Bult area and on farms and small holdings (urban patrols),” said Mokgwabone.
He said the police confiscated seven firearms, 37 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, a variety of drugs, tobacco products, cash, and many others during the operation.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all law enforcement agencies and other role players for their continuous efforts in the fight against criminality.
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.
Picture: One of the vehicles allegedly used in commission of crime seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects aged 30, 37 and 47, who were arrested for business robbery, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition amongst others in Veertien village, near Taung, are set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The suspects allegedly robbed a supermarket of an undisclosed amount of money on Thursday. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the police were summoned to the scene.
“Upon arrival, they were briefed about the incident in which five armed men wearing balaclavas robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes. The suspects’ vehicles, a white Renault and a silver Volkswagen Polo, which were still in the vicinity, were spotted.
“That led to a car chase and the suspects allegedly shot at the police, who returned fire. One of the vehicles came to a halt after its tyre was deflated, while the other capsized after the driver lost control,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said three suspects were arrested, whilst the vehicles used in the commission of the crime and the stolen items were confiscated. He added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police in Taung for their swift reactions to the crimes. Kwena also lauded them for ensuring that the alleged perpetrators are apprehended.
“We would also like to thank community members for the role they played to ensure the arrests of the suspects,” he said.
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.
Picture: One of the vehicles confiscated by the police
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects aged 30, 37 and 47, were arrested for business robbery, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition amongst others in Veertien village, near Taung on Thursday.
This comes after these suspects allegedly robbed a supermarket of an undisclosed amount of money. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the police were summoned to the scene.
“Upon arrival, they were briefed about the incident in which five armed men wearing balaclavas robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes. The suspects’ vehicles, a white Renault and a silver Volkswagen Polo, which were still in the vicinity, were spotted.
“That led to a car chase and the suspects allegedly shot at the police, who returned fire. One of the vehicles came to a halt after its tyre was deflated, while the other capsized after the driver lost control,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said three suspects were arrested, whilst the vehicles used in the commission of the crime and the stolen items were confiscated. He added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2024.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police in Taung for their swift reactions to the crimes. Kwena also lauded them for ensuring that the alleged perpetrators are apprehended.
“We would also like to thank community members for the role they played to ensure the arrests of the suspects,” he said.
Picture: More than 600 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 600 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said 676 suspects were apprehended for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault and stock theft.
Kock said this includes burglary, theft out of motor vehicles, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
He further said some of the suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, illegal immigrants as well as contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act. Kock added that, of 676 total arrests, 585 were wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for numerous offences.
“The arrests were executed during tracing operations by detectives across the province. Disruptive actions focusing on the illegal trading in liquor, resulted in the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons at illegal liquor outlets and other hot spot crime areas.
“The multi-disciplinary high density operation remains steadfast and intentional in stabilizing crime. The intensified police operations commenced from 3 until 10 March 2024, with a specific focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspot areas, which ensured the multitude of successes,” he said.
Kock said 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 and tracing operations by detectives. He said 48 VCPs and several roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2711 vehicles and 5672 persons were stopped and searched.
“Numerous police actions were executed, including compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses, school visits as well as farms,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reiterated that the police will continue to robustly and vigorously prevent and combat crime. Otola also commended all the law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, including the Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures for the concerted efforts in addressing crime in the province.
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.
The Guardian 