Tag Archives: illegal dealing in liquor

869 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Suspected illegal firearm confiscated/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 February 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo reiterated that the police across the province will continue to squeeze the space for criminals in response to serious and violent crimes through Operation Shanela 2, which focuses on enhanced crime prevention and combatting criminal activities. Naidoo said consequent to operations conducted between 16 and 22 February 2026, a total of 869 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common assault, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, to driving under the influence of alcohol.

He further said 59 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Naidoo added that during the operations, 491 premises, 10 839 persons and 5 916 vehicles were searched.

“Moreover, the police working together with other law enforcement agencies confiscated alcohol, ammunition, cash, cellular phones, contraband goods, a variety of drugs, nine dangerous weapons, four handguns, four rifles, a shotgun, 13kg of copper cables, 12 kg of precious metals, tobacco products, vehicles and electrical equipment.

“On Monday night, 16 February 2026, information received was operationalised and a search warrant was executed at a residence in Arendskloof, Safari Tuine in Rustenburg. Two unlicensed firearms were found with numerous rounds of ammunition that the resident could not account for,” he said.

Naidoo said the accused, Barend Johannes De Lange (32) was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as the negligent handling of a firearm. He said De Lange briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2026, and was granted bail of R2 000.

“His case was postponed to 14 May 2026. In a second unrelated incident reported on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, information received led police to Vreesgewaagde Village, near Delareyville.

“The accused, Ezekiel Mosikimang Mongwegi (46) was arrested after a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, as well as ammunition, was found in his possession. He briefly appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 20 February 2026, for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence. His case was remanded in custody until 10 March 2026,” said Naidoo.

He said in a third unrelated incident reported in Bloemhof on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, a tuck shop was robbed in Boitumelong. Naidoo said an accused, Goitsemodimo Kenny Pitso (20) allegedly entered the tuck shop, pointed a firearm at the owner (32) and fired one shot in his direction.

“He then fled the scene without taking anything, no injuries were sustained. The community members who heard the gunshot immediately reported the incident to police, who responded swiftly. Members of Public Order Policing (POP), with the assistance of community members, traced Pitso to a nearby house where he was hiding.

“He was arrested and a 9mm firearm believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was found and confiscated. Further investigation revealed that the firearm, which belonged to a family member of Pitso, had been stolen by him. The owner of the firearm is also under investigation for the negligent handling of a firearm,” he said.

Naidoo said Pitso appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted business robbery, attempted murder and theft of a firearm on Friday, 20 February 2026. He said the case was remanded in custody until 11 March 2026.

“We welcome the results achieved. The police will remain resolute in their mission to decisively deal with serious and violent crime in the North West Province. Operation Shanela 2 demonstrates the police’s commitment to proactive policing, high-visibility operations and coordinated law enforcement efforts.

“We encouraged all law enforcement agencies to continue working tirelessly towards building safer communities and urged members of the public to cooperate with police by reporting criminal activities,” said Naidoo.

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576 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some suspects were searched during Operation Shanela II/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 February 2026- More than 576 suspects were arrested for various offences, including drug-related crimes, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with the intent to cause Grievious Bodily Harm (GBH), and burglary. The arrests were made Operation Shanella across the Northern Cape.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the continued commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape was once again demonstrated through the execution of Operation Shanela II conducted across all five districts in the province. Ehlers said the operation carried out from 9 until 15 February 2026.

“This formed part of ongoing intelligence-driven initiatives aimed at preventing crime, stabilising identified hotspots and ensuring safer communities.

“The operations were led by District Commissioners and senior managers at provincial, district and station levels, supported by various law enforcement stakeholders,” she said.

Ehlers further said during the operational period, numerous premises were searched, while 12623 persons and 5006 vehicles were stopped and searched. She added that they also conducted stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols, vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks as part of intensified crime prevention efforts.

“Several suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Detectives also executed tracing operations which led to the arrest of numerous wanted suspects who had been evading arrest for an array of crimes.

“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines, and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation,” said Ehlers.

She said these inspections resulted in the closure of 16 unlicensed liquor outlets. Ehlers said during the operations, large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated.

“Counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, and money suspected of being the proceeds of crime were also seized.

“The police and Community Policing Structures (CPFs) continue to conduct awareness campaigns to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), contact crimes and other trending crime patterns,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, and her management, welcomed the positive outcomes and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to safeguarding communities and maintaining safety and security across the province. Otola encouraged members of the public to continue working with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.

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392 suspects nabbed for various offences

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Picture: The police seized homemade beer/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 November 2025- More than 392 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, murder, rape, assault, burglary and of wanted suspects, who were evading arrest. Operation Shanela 2 actions are gaining momentum in the province as operations are targeted and intelligence driven.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in addition to the Shanela 2 high density operations, Operation Basadi actions were also conducted under the operational command of the three female District Commissioners of Pixely Ka-Seme, Frances Baard and ZFM Districts respectively. Shemane said female Provincial Heads also took the lead during operations across the province.

“The weekly high density operations were executed since 17 until 23 November 2025. Targeted operations were conducted in collaboration with multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams in all five districts. Disruptive actions led to the stopping of 15 576 motor vehicles and searches of 27 516 persons during numerous roadblocks and vehicle check points (VCPs) conducted.

“Detectives traced and arrested wanted suspects evading court appearances and for whom warrants of arrests were issued. Drugs, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, ammunition, cell phones, computers, drugs, firearm, tobacco products, vehicle parts and accessories and other commodities were confiscated during the operations,” he said.

Shemane further said compliance inspections were conducted at farms, mines, formal and informal businesses, liquor outlets, and second-hand goods dealers.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the multi-disciplinary teams across five districts for their decisive crime combatting efforts in ensuring our communities feel safe and are safe during and beyond the festive season period. Otola cited that no person will be left behind, including the communities, who are the eyes and ears of the police.

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871 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 July 2025 – The police in North West, working together with other law enforcement agencies, said they will continue to put suspects behind bars through Operation Shanela. This comes after suspects were apprehended between 30 June and 6 July 2025, for various crimes.

The police said the suspects were arrested for robbery aggravating, murder, attempted murder, assault common and with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary on business and residential premises and many others.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said additionally, 30 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Myburgh said out of 871 suspects, 319 suspects were wanted and nabbed during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.

“The police were able to shut down 20 unlicensed taverns/liquor stores and arrested 41 suspects for driving under the influence of liquor.  The fight against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) continues to be a primary objective of the police, whereby 27 suspects were arrested for rape, 52 for possession of dangerous weapons and 218 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and common assault around the province.

“In the province, a total of 96 arrests were made for possession of drugs. At Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke on Friday evening, 4 July 2025, information received led police to a house in Extension 5, where a man (37) was arrested after nearly 2kg of dagga was found in his possession,” she said.  

Myburgh further said the dagga and cash were seized by police. She added that, the suspect appeared before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 8 July 2025, on a charge of dealing in dagga.

“As part of the actions executed during the operations, 330 premises, 2884 persons and 948 vehicles were searched. The operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, ten firearms, 144 rounds of ammunition, a variety of drugs and cash,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the weekly High Density Operations, which are coordinated, conducted and commanded by District Commissioners and Senior Officers in the province, are gradually decreasing the high levels of crime particularly in the Province’s High Contact Crimes and Priority Crimes Police Stations with a few of the North West Police Stations now featuring on the National Top 30 high crime volumes Stations.

Asaneng said these targeted, intelligence led operations in identified hotspots are intended to address the proliferation of drugs, dangerous weapons, illegal firearms and liquor related crime.

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More than 203 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some if drugs confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 January 2025- More than 203 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela in Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said this includes robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, stock theft and other crimes.

Sam said Operation Shanela, remains steadfast in its objective to reduce contact and violent crimes as schools are gearing up to start the 2025 school year.

“The weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on 6 until 12 January 2025, was executed in the five districts as preparations for the reopening of schools started.

“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling,” he said.

Sam further said several vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 2422 vehicles and 4780 persons were stopped and searched. He added that numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses as well as farms were executed.

“The police in Kuruman, while executing crime prevention patrols, received information from the public of a wanted suspect who was seen walking in one of the streets. The police followed up the information and arrested the suspect who was allegedly involved in a case, where a security officer was shot with his own firearm.

“The police also confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, fireworks and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” 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 this period. Otola indicated that the police will promote safer schools’ initiatives during the Back to School Campaigns.

“The police will ensure visibility in and around schools, monitoring the carrying or storage of dangerous objects, and the possession or entry of alcohol or illegal drugs.

“Through robust community participation and support, the police’s actions will be strengthened. We appreciate the public’s efforts in fighting crime together,” she said.

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More than 1000 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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By REGINALD KANYANE

4 November 2024 – More than 1000 suspects were nabbed during Operation Shanela between 28 October 3 November 2024.  The suspects who include 42 suspected undocumented persons, were arrested for various crimes ranging from rape, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises to driving under the influence of alcohol. 

“Of the 1 487 arrests, 462 were apprehended as circulated and wanted during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. As part of the operations, 150 premises, 2864 persons and 1 308 vehicles were searched.

“Moreover, the operations led to the confiscation of alcohol, six firearms, 75 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, 21,6kg of copper, six vehicles and a variety of drugs and tobacco products,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North west Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, indicated that police will continue working together with other law enforcement agencies across the province, to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. Kwena said they welcome the successes and motivated all law enforcement officers and role players to continue with their efforts in a bid to ensure that members of the community are and feel safe.

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1168 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 October 2024-More than 1168 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglaries at business and residential premises to driving under the influence of alcohol.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said of the total arrests, 513 were effected during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Mokgwabone said in addition, 50 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.

“During the operations, 94 premises, 2 424 persons and 817 vehicles were searched. Moreover, goods such as alcohol, 55 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, tobacco products (543 packets) , a variety of drugs, counterfeit goods and precious metals were confiscated. 

“A total of 29 illegal liquor outlets / shebeens were shut down. In its pursuit to prevent and combat crime in the province, the high density Operation Shanela remains steadfast in ensuring that those who disrespect the rule of law are arrested,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed successes achieved and reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue to address the heightened risk of criminality due to increased movement of people in accordance with the phased approach of the Safer Festive Season 2024/2025 Operations.

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More than 1000 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 October 2024– More than 1000 suspects across North West, were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. The police in the province in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies arrested 1 258 suspects between 7 and 13 October 2024.

 The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were among others, arrested for murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common. Mokgwabone said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglaries at business and residential premises and driving under the influence of alcohol.

“In addition, 81 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Of the 1 258 arrests, 421 were for wanted and circulated suspects brought to book during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.

“The operations also led to searching of 262 premises, 2 490 persons and 835 vehicles. Moreover, 385 licensed liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers were visited for compliance inspections,” he said.

Mokgwabone said the operation further resulted in the confiscation of liquor, 120 explosives (fireworks), 10 ammunition, five cell phones, 13 dangerous weapons, a variety of drugs and three vehicles.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police and other law enforcement officials for their relentless efforts to ensure the safety and security of the communities.  

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834 suspects nabbed for various crimes across North West 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A total of 834 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises to driving under the influence of alcohol. In addition, 74 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said of 834 suspects, 322 were nabbed as wanted during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Mokgwabone said in one of the operations in Brits, police in collaboration with Protego Security, arrested three suspects on 2 August 2024.  

“The police were in operation when they responded to a robbery at a filling station. The suspects who fled in a Volkswagen Polo, were pursued and cornered by Protego Security members. However, one of them got out of the vehicle and fled on foot, while others escaped with the vehicle. The police joined the security officers and the suspect that fled on foot was arrested. 

“The other two suspects were arrested near Silkatsnek, while the other fled on foot. Upon searching the car, the police found a firearm, ammunition and a set of number plates that matches the description of the vehicle that was used during the commission of the crimes. They are expected to appear in court soon,” he said.  

Mokgwabone further said in Kanana Township, near Orkney, Provincial Office and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District personnel as well as role players, including traffic and officials from the local municipality, saturated the place to heighten visibility through patrols, Vehicle Check Points (VCP) and to ensure compliance with various legislation. He said during the operations, 209 premises, 2 306 persons and 1 402 vehicles, were searched. 

“Moreover, the operation led to confiscation of alcohol, 23 ammunition, a variety of drugs, two handguns, three vehicles and tobacco products,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, stated that police working with other role players will continue to work hard through enhanced crime prevention and combating operations conducted between 29 July and 4 August 2024, to ensure that those who commit crime are arrested.

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More than 580 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 580 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for robbery aggravating, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol and many others. Myburgh further said in addition, 22 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“Out of 325 suspects, 166 were wanted and nabbed during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. In one of the incidents reported on 29 June 2024, Ethiopian tuck shop owner (64), in Maboloka village, near Letlhabile, was robbed of cash and cigarettes by three suspects. 

“The police managed to trace a suspect and arrested him shortly after the incident was reported. The accused (24), briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of business robbery,” she said.

She added that as part of the actions executed during the operations, 128 premises, 1910 persons and 1100 vehicles were searched. Myburgh said the operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, 3 firearms, fuel, cellular phones, a variety of drugs and 2 vehicles.

“The police in the province, working together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to put suspects behind bars through Operation Shanela,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members and other law enforcement agencies for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to ensure the well-being of the communities through crime prevention and combating operations. 

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