Tag Archives: illicit mining

Illicit cigarettes worth R7.5m confiscated

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth R7.5m confiscated/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 August 2025 – A multi-disciplinary Inter-Provincial Cross-Border Operation involving the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State was executed simultaneously from 19 to 21 August 2025. The focus areas included drug-related offences, the proliferation of firearms, illicit mining, tracing of wanted suspects, and combating contact crimes.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the operation delivered significant results with 116 suspects arrested across the Frances Baard, Namakwa and Pixley Ka Seme Districts. Kock said numerous liquor outlets were inspected for compliance, while several unlicensed premises were closed.

“High-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks saw 319 vehicles and 8 345 persons stopped and searched across the province.  Several wanted suspects were among those arrested.

“One of the most notable successes occurred in Colesberg on 20 August 2025, when SAPS members, supported by SARS Customs and SAPS Crime Intelligence, confiscated illicit cigarettes and a truck collectively valued at approximately R7.5 million,” he said.

Kock said in a separate incident, the police at the Colesberg weighbridge, discovered suspected stolen goods, including perfumes, counterfeit clothing and cell phones with erased serial numbers worth approximately R50 000 on 21Augiust 2025. He further said a suspect was arrested and the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, a maroon VW Polo, was seized.

“During the course of the operation, police also confiscated counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, firearms and ammunition, alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash,” added Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all four provinces, relevant departments and law enforcement agencies for their coordinated efforts. Otola extended her gratitude to Community Police Forums (CPFs) and the public for their continued support in the fight against crime.

“The collective efforts of law enforcement and our communities remain key in curbing and eradicating criminal activities across our provinces,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

More than 429 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The police in Northern Cape arrested more than 429 suspects during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 December 2024- More than 429 suspects were arrested during the weekly safer festive season operations such as Operation Shanela. This includes wanted suspects for crimes such as illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape and illegal dealing in liquor.

Others were arrested for dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, house breaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela continues to enhance and strengthen efforts to curb crime as they approach the New Year celebrations. Kock said actions were executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas.  

“In total, 31 124 police actions and activities with the emphasis on high density disruptive operations were executed from 23 until 29 December 2024. These police activities included vehicle control points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and visits to farms and mines.

“Numerous VCPs and static roadblocks were conducted across the province on all national and secondary roads, during which 6368 vehicles were stopped and 16 988 persons were searched. Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises. Mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited,” he said.

Kock further said during the operations, the police confiscated firearms, cell phones, dangerous weapons, large volumes of alcoholic beverages, mandrax, tik, dagga and money believed to be proceeds of crime.

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly during New Year celebrations and beyond. Otola reiterated that a zero tolerance approach will be adopted.

“The abuse and misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated. Crimes committed against women and children will be vigorously policed. Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings and pleasure resorts.

“We urge communities to adhere to by-laws pertaining to the discharging of fireworks and illegal spinning as all perpetrators will face the full might of the law. Road safety will be prioritised and motorists are warned that they can expect to be detained if found transgressing the rules of the road,” said Otola.

She added that the authority of the state will be stamped down as they head into 2025.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

More than 216 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

More than 216 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, illicit mining, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of suspected stolen stock, undocumented illegal immigrants, possession of precious metals, as well as illegal dealing in liquor. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, this resulted in the closure of 10 liquor outlets. Sam said 871 daily wanted suspects were traced and arrested by detectives for evading court appearances and contravening court orders.

“Actions and police activities executed during Operation Shanela, which is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation. The operation commenced from 18 until 24 March 2024, with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspots.

“The disruptive actions include Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, smuggling of drugs and other commodities. VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 3244 vehicles and 5999 persons were stopped and searched,” he said.

Sam further said the police also confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages and non-ferrous metal items during inspections. He added that drugs valued at R10 000 were seized at a roadblock between Askham and Upington in the ZF Mgcawu District, as well as cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“Numerous compliance inspections at secondhand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed,” said Sam. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that the success of Operation Shanela, guarantees the human rights of the residents of Northern Cape. Otola said the police will combat any unlawful violence against its citizens and ensure special care to victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“We invite the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com