Tag Archives: in Letlhabile

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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Seven individuals accused of killed a man for escaping from church remanded in custody

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By OBAKENG MAJE

24 March 2025- Seven murder accused were remanded in custody. This comes after their brief appearance in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 17 March 2025.

The accused, Katlego Maila, 30, Tebogo Morale, 25, Kopano Makwela, 24, Kgomotso Koma, 30, Tshepang Makwela, 25, Tumelo Sengwani, 27, and Joseph Chauke, 26, were remanded in custody until 24 March 2025, for bail application and legal representation. The accused were arrested on 13 March 2025, in Letlhabile, outside Brits, in connection with the murder of John Mashile (30) on 12 March 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said it is alleged that police in Letlhabile were summoned to the local clinic, where they were shown Mashile’s lifeless body.  Manyoba said the reports suggested that the victim escaped from a church premises where he and other people were seemingly treated for mental illness and doing drugs.

“Although initial reports indicated that the man was killed by the public, it transpired during the questioning that the accused allegedly assaulted and killed him after he attempted to escape from the centre.

“The accused were as a result, arrested for murder,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest and commended the members for the breakthrough.

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