By AGISANANG SCUFF
29 September 2025- Focusing on enhanced crime prevention and combating, the weekly Joint Law Enforcement operations under Operation Shanela II, conducted between 22 and 28 September 2025, across the province led to the apprehension of 1267 suspects. Through the execution of actions such as vehicle check points (VCPs), stops and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses and farms, 1777 copper cables, 82 fireworks, five explosive gels, five electric detonators, tobacco products, liquor and drugs such as dagga, cocaine, crystal meth, tik and mandrax were seized.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said moreover, the operations resulted in the apprehension of 76 illegal migrants. Mokgwabone said 456 out of the 1 267 arrests were for wanted suspects who were linked to the crimes committed through forensic DNA leads.
“The arrests, among others, included 25 suspects for rape and attempted rape, 289 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm and common, 26 for burglary, business and residential, 34 for murder and attempted murder, 48 for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 29 for possession of drugs, and 31 for illegal dealing in liquor.
“In Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, four suspects aged between 31 and 51, are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen goods. The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Friday morning, 26 September 2025, by Stilfontein Visible Policing and Potchefstroom Flying Squad members on the N12 (Stilfontein/Potchefstroom) road,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the police were on patrol when they noticed an overturned white Chana bakkie and went to investigate. He added that on arrival, they discovered copper cables hidden in the nearby bushes.
“The members also spotted a suspicious Ford Ranger vehicle in the vicinity. As they approached the vehicle, it sped off, leading to a chase. The vehicle stopped after a few kilometres due to an apparent breakdown. A search conducted led to the discovery of suspected stolen copper cables in the bakkie and all three suspects, along with the driver of the Chana bakkie, were apprehended after failing to account for the copper cables.
“The copper cables, which were identified as those of Telkom, are valued at R290 000. Still in the District, a security officer in Klerksdorp arrested a suspect on Monday, 22 September 2025, after being found in possession of a bundle of signal cables,” said Mokgwabone.
He said the suspect, who was also found in possession of an axe and a spade, was handed over to the police and is facing charges of tampering with and damage to essential infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe, welcomed the arrests, which she said will positively contribute towards the reduction of crime and ensuring general safety in the province as we approach a safer festive season.
The Guardian 