By AGISANANG SCUFF
21 January 2026 – Shanela 2 Weekly Operations have yielded significant successes with police in the North West arresting numerous suspects for a wide range of criminal offences. The police said operations led by the District Commissioners between 12 and 19 January 2026, resulted in the arrest of 793 suspects.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said notably, 433 wanted suspects were arrested by Detectives. Bobelo said as part of the operations, police targeted known crime generators through joint law enforcement compliance inspections aimed at enforcing the provisions of the Liquor Act and the Second-Hand Goods Act. Bobelo said large quantities of liquor and various items were confiscated and six unlicensed liquor outlets were closed.
“Among those arrested, eight suspects were apprehended for murder, 11 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, seven for rape, nine for aggravated robbery, 28 for burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, 10 for illegal dealing in drugs and 29 for dealing in liquor.
“In addition, 28 illegal immigrants were arrested for contravening Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. They are currently being processed through the courts before being deported to their countries of origin by the Department of Home Affairs. Other arrests were also made in connection with illegal mining activities,” he said.
Bobelo further said in one of the notable arrests, police in Phokeng successfully apprehended Gomotsegang Ngwenyana (29) in connection with an ATM bombing incident on 16 January 2026. He added that crime intelligence and the Provincial Crime Combating Team traced Ngwenyana who was on the run to a residential address in the Monakato Slovo Section, Phokeng.
“Investigations linked the suspect to an ATM bombing that occurred in Reivilo in October 2025. The suspect was charged with ATM bombing and appeared before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 19 January 2026. He was remanded in custody until 12 February 2026,” said Bobelo.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their unwavering efforts in securing safer communities and their continued commitment to the fight against crime.
The Guardian 