690 suspects nabbed for various crimes


By REGINALD KANYANE

25 June 2026 – The police in the North West continue to make significant strides in the fight against crime following the successful execution of Operation Shanela II, which resulted in the arrest of 690 suspects for various offences across the province between 15 and 21 June 2026. The intelligence-driven operation focused on preventing and combating serious and violent crime through high-density policing, roadblocks, vehicle control points, stop-and-search operations and the tracing of wanted suspects. 

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said during the week-long operation, police arrested suspects for a range of serious and priority crimes, including five for murder, three for rape, four for illegal possession of firearms, 26 for dealing in drugs, 52 for possession of drugs, 33 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 21 for residential burglary, 11 for business burglary and 83 illegal immigrants. Magakoe said in addition, detectives arrested 529 wanted suspects, including those linked to murder, rape, business robbery, house robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“The police also confiscated and recovered several illegal items, including three firearms, ammunition, dagga, crystal meth (Tik), mandrax tablets, liquor, packets of illicit tobacco products, cellphones, eight (8) generators and two (2) vehicles, among other exhibits,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Naidoo, reiterated that police will continue to intensify Operation Shanela II, working closely with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to keep communities safe. Naidoo urges community members to continue working with the police by reporting criminal activities through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

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More than 228 suspects nabbed for various crimes


By REGINALD KANYANE

20 January 2025- The police in the Northern Cape have stamped the authority of the state as learners returned back to school throughout the province. The disruptive actions across all five districts in the province secured the arrest of 228 suspects for serious crimes including dealing in drugs, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of drugs, attempted murder, business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said this includes the arrest of five wanted suspects, who were traced by detectives and successfully apprehended. Ehlers said collaboration between the police and other government departments to address priority crimes, resulted in these arrests and confiscation of drugs such as dagga, Tik and mandrax as well the seizure of alcohol, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“A total of 5687 persons and 2777 vehicles were stopped and searched at roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols and stop and search actions. Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers.

“More than 17 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed during these inspections. In an effort to promote rural safety, several farms and mines were visited. The police, in partnership with other government departments and Community Police Structures (CPS), embarked on numerous back to school awareness campaigns in all five districts to promote school safety and address significant issues such as bullying, dangerous weapons and drug abuse,” she said.

Ehlers further said the engagements at schools will continue. She added that communities are encouraged to assist the police, share valuable information and to continue aiding the police by reporting incidents via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111.

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