14 December 2025- The police in Rustenburg reached a significant advancement in the search for crime syndicates menacing the area. The police said crime intelligence received a tip-off on 8 December 2025, regarding the suspects who were allegedly involved in illegal mining, business robberies, extortions and other serious crimes within the area.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said on 10 December 2025, the police located two suspects and upon arrival in Nkaneng Informal Settlement, outside Rustenburg, the police proceeded to identified addresses. Bobelo said the first suspect was found in possession of an illegal firearm (pistol) and ammunition and was arrested.
“The second suspect led the police to where a pistol was hidden in a sports bag at a nearby residential place. The duo was immediately arrested. Thabiso Edwin Mafeeo (28) and Teboho Ishmael Makae (22) were charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
“They appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They were remanded in custody until 19 December 2025,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their exceptional work in tracking and apprehending the culprits. Naidoo said the police will stop at nothing to remove all illegal weapons from the streets and ensure the prevalence of safety.
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.
The Guardian 