Tag Archives: firearms

Fines issued for contraventions of the Liquor Act

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 March 2026 – The members of various Provincial Components in the Northern Cape, supported by the John Taolo Gaetsewe District and surrounding stations under the command of the Provincial Head for Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, conducted crime prevention operations in Kathu, Kuruman and Mothibistad between 13 and 15 March 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said operations formed part of the weekly Operation Shanela II and comprised of members Proactive Policing, Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Unit, Corporate Communication and Liaison, SAPS Airwing, Northern Cape Provincial Gambling and Liquor Board and Kuruman Public Order Police.

“Provincial Operational Command Centre (POCC), Siyathemba, Kuruman, Batlharos, Deben, Olifantshoek and Siyathemba Police Stations and Traffic Police from the Gamagara Local Municipality.

“Operational activities included blue-light patrols, stop-and-search operations, as well as compliance inspections at liquor outlets and food establishments. Fines amounting to R4 500 were issued for contraventions of the Liquor Act, while additional fines amounting to R1 600-00 were issued to motorists who violated traffic regulations,” said Litabe.

He further said several liquor outlets in the areas visited were closed after failing to comply with requirements and conditions stipulated in their trading licences by the Liquor Board. Litabe added that upon conclusion of the operations, Kopeledi expressed her appreciation to all members and officials who participated in ensuring the success of the operations.

“These disruptive actions will continue unabated throughout the province,” he said.

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Police seized a firearm during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: A firearm seized during Operation Shanela II/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 March 2026 – Unannounced Operation Shanela 2 has continued with stop-and-search actions, high-density operations and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any form of crime that threatens the safety and stability of communities. The operation conducted on 27 February 2026, in Letlhabile, involved the collaboration between the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, North West Crime Intelligence Overt Operations, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP), Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) and Corporate Communications and Liaison.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said multi- disciplinary operation focused on high-visibility patrols, addressing violent crime related to gangsterism, drug- and firearm-related offences, disrupting criminal activities, executing arrests of wanted suspects, and conducting compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers to enforce the authority of the state amid prevailing levels of criminality in the area. Bobelo said eight suspects were arrested for various offences.

“Seized items included a revolver, alcoholic beverages and several bags containing cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. Among those arrested was a man (35) charged with possession of a firearm without a license. This includes a man (22) and woman (49) charged with possession of suspected illegal substances.

“A woman (19) and a man (37) were charged with contravention of the Immigration Act. A man (18), a woman (23) and a man (30), were charged for selling liquor without a license. These three suspects were released with a warning to appear in court,” he said.

Bobele further said all suspects are expected to make their first court appearances before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 2 March 2026.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation to the members involved for their dedication to protecting communities. Naidoo added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“We assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” he said.

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More than 241 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: The police during raids/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 February 2025- More than 2141 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela, the multi-disciplinary high density operation, which commenced on 3 until 9 February 2025. The police across the Northern Cape province in collaboration with other government departments and law enforcement agencies, robustly and boldly addressed priority crimes including drugs, firearms, murder, rape and robberies and other categories of crime.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said disruptive actions, which also included suspects’ raiding by detectives, resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 241 persons across the five districts in the province. Kock said 10 996 disruptive actions, including roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions resulted in the search of 5287 persons and 2420 vehicles.

“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers.  Various community engagements and school visits were conducted during this period.

“Drugs, copper cables, home-made brew, alcohol, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime were seized,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during Operation Shanela. Otola reiterated that no one will be left behind when it comes to fighting crime as it involves the robust involvement and support of community structures.

“Communities are encouraged to share valuable information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators and to continue aiding the police by exposing criminals. Information can be reported via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” he said.

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