20 undocumented individuals nabbed during Operation Shanela II


Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela II/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 May 2026 – More than 20 undocumented persons were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 in Mahikeng during the high-density operation brought together by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), K9 Unit, FLASH and officials from Home Affairs. The police said the units worked together in a coordinated effort to stabilise the area and intensify crime-fighting operations.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said the police conducted focused stop-and-search operations and swept through identified priority zones targeting illegal firearms, drugs and other criminal activities. Bobelo said during the operation, two suspects were arrested for dealing in dagga, one suspect for dealing in drugs identified as crystal methamphetamine, one suspect for selling liquor without a licence and another for drunken driving.

“The intervention concluded with compliance inspections at liquor outlets and intensified patrols aimed at addressing emerging criminal activity and restoring order in Mahikeng,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo who led an unannounced Operation Shanela 2 said they targeted crime hotspots within the taxi rank and Central Business District (CBD). Naidoo commended all members and stakeholders involved for their dedication, bravery and commitment to combating crime.

“The police will continue to intensify operations to ensure safer communities across the province,” he said.

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10 undocumented foreign nationals nabbed


Picture: Police during stop and search/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 May 2026 – The police from different units led by the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo continued with the unannounced, high-density Operation Shanela 2 from 1 May 2026, into the early hours of Saturday, 2 May 2026, in Rustenburg, within the Bojanala 2 sub-district (Rustenburg). Naidoo said the operation was supported by members from various units, including the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Crime Intelligence Overt Operations, K9 Unit, Provincial Corporate Communication, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Hostage Negotiators and FLASH.

He further said the operation continued focusing on the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding areas. Naidoo added that focusing on crimes relating to illegal firearms and ammunition, undocumented foreign nationals, trio crimes, and drug trafficking.

“Stop-and-search operations were conducted in the Rustenburg CBD, Tlhabane, Boitekong, Phokeng, and several nightclubs were visited. During the operation, 10 undocumented foreign nationals were found hiding inside the roof of a hardware premises on Fatima Bhayard Street and four search warrants were executed.

“Operations such as Shanela 2 demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the police to tackle crime and restore public confidence. The police will continue to intensify high-density operations and work collaboratively to ensure that communities across the province feel safe and protected,” he said.

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Traffic fines amounting to R24 450 issued


By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 December 2025- The police said Operation Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season operations continue to gain momentum with disruptive actions. The police said the operation is comprised of SAPS members from Kimberley, Galeshewe, Kagisho, the Tactical Response Team, Flying Squad, Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, K9 Unit, Mounted Unit, Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH), Proactive Policing, ORS, the Northern Cape Liquor Board, Sol Plaatje Municipal Traffic, Peace Officers and the Department of Home Affairs.

The Kimberley police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said a parade was conducted under the Operational command of the Kimberley Police Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana together with Brigadier Simon Bopape from the FLASH Head Office participating in the police actions. Gopane said several Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were set up across the greater Kimberley area, during which 204 vehicles were stopped and 334 persons searched.

“Multiple traffic fines amounting to R24 450 were issued along with admission of guilt fines totalling R3000. In addition, pamphlets were distributed to motorists. Compliance inspections were carried out at tuck shops, shebeens and liquor outlets.

“Four businesses were closed for non-compliance and fines were issued. During the second phase of the operation, high-visibility patrols were conducted, including stop-and-search activities,” she said.

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Drugs worth R189 000 confiscated during Operation Shanela II


By OBAKENG MAJE

12 December 2025- As part of Shanela II and Safer Festive Season activities, a joint operation involving Upington Border Police, K9 Unit, and Crime Intelligence acted on information regarding alleged drug activity at a residence in Paballelo. A search and seizure warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of dagga on 11 December 2025.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the discovered dagga estimated at a street value of R189 000 was confiscated. Masegela said the police arrested a man (26) for dealing in dagga and he is expected to appear in court soon.

“This successful operation highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between SAPS units. We will continue to disrupt the supply and trade of illicit substances in our communities,” she said.

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Police conduct Safer Festive Season Operation


By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 October 2025- The police in the Frances Baard District, Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods, Public Order Police, Tactical Response Team, K9 Unit, Flying Squad, Kimberley Police Station, together with the traffic officials and Transnet, conducted Safer Festive Season Operation duties in Kimberley on 16 October 2025. The parade was addressed by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said compliance inspections were carried out at scrap metal dealerships, resulting in the confiscation of copper cables and copper wire. Gopane said two fines amounting to R5000, were issued for contraventions of Section 25(4)(b) – dealing with burned cables.

“Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were conducted resulting in the thorough searching of 119 vehicles and 284 persons. Several traffic fines totalling R11 100 were issued, along with one warrant of arrest.

“In addition, admission of guilt fines was issued to the value of R3000. During the second phase of the operation, high-visibility patrols were conducted across the greater Kimberley as part of ongoing crime prevention visibility,” she said.

Gopane further said intensified and enhanced policing with more boots on the ground will continue throughout the festive season and beyond.

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A man nabbed for being in possession of unlawful firearm and ammunition in Maphoitsile


Picture: A firearm confiscated by police during raid/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (44) from Maphoitsile village, near Taung was arrested for allegedly being in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The suspect was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Vryburg Public Order Police (POP), K9 Unit, as well as Taung and Schweizer-Reneke Crime Prevention Unit during an intelligence-driven operation conducted at New Stands in Maphoitsile.

The North West police spokesperson Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspect was found in possession of a 9mm pistol with a magazine and 11 ammunition.

“The suspect was arrested after failing to account for the possession. He is expected to appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati police for their dedication, which led to the arrest and confiscation of a firearm that is used to commit serious and violent crimes. Kwena also thanked the members of the community for working together with the police in fighting crime.

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