Tag Archives: Major General Johnny Besnaar

37 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Dinaledi

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Search and Stop campaign/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 September 2025- In an effort to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and address serious and violent crimes in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johnny Besnaar, led Operation Dinaledi from 11 until 14 September 2025, in Kuruman and surrounding mining areas.

Besnaar was supported by the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Provincial Heads and members of various provincial components including Pro-Active Policing, Public Order Police, the SAPS Airwing, Kimberley Search and Rescue, Provincial Finance, Provincial Internal Audit, Provincial Corporate Communication, as well as the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Stations, District Crime Intelligence, Ga-Segonyana and Municipal Traffic Departments and private security companies.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the high-density operation focused on removing illegal firearms and dangerous weapons, tracing of wanted suspects, conducting compliance inspections at formal and informal businesses and engaging with communities across the district. Shemane said simultaneous roadblocks were conducted on strategic routes leading to and from the targeted towns, with air support provided by the SAPS Airwing in Kimberley and the Free State.

“A total of 219 vehicles were stopped and searched, resulting in fines amounting to R67 500 for road traffic violations, while 2 657 persons were searched. At identified crime hotspots, police arrested 37 suspects for offences including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), sexual offences, rape, theft of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, drug-related crimes, driving under the influence and contravention of immigration laws.

“The police also confiscated alcoholic beverages, dangerous weapons, drugs and a suspected stolen vehicle. On Saturday, Besnaar, accompanied by the Provincial Search and Rescue Unit with air support from the SAPS Airwing, conducted foot and aerial searches for missing Boemo David Ditshetelo (65), who was last seen on 3 September 2025 in Maruping, Kutlwanong Section, Kuruman,” he said.

Shemane further said the search for Ditshetelo is ongoing. He added that Besnaar applauded the efforts of all multi-disciplinary teams involved, emphasising that the police remain committed to ensuring that perpetrators are brought before court and to restoring public confidence.

“He further assured communities that such operations will continue without interruption. As we approach the Festive Season, police in the province will intensify their operations and execute targeted intelligence driven actions in our quest to address crime.

“The police appeal to anyone with information on criminal activities to contact their nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Shemane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police in Kimberley donates food and money to destitute family

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Police donating food parcels and money to disadvantaged family

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 September 2025- The police in Kimberley donated food hampers and monetary relief to a family in need in Florianville on Saturday. The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johnny Besnaar, together with his platoon members of the 1990 intake and the Kimberley Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, initiated this.

Besnaar further said they initiated and pledged their support to the initiative following their quarterly meeting at the Horseshoe Inn in Kimberley. He added that their team was accompanied by members of Kimberley Social Crime Prevention, the Community Policing Forum, Kimberley Safety Participants, and Women Against Crime.

“This act of kindness was directed towards one of SAPS’ long-serving partners, Debbie Swartz (63), a dedicated member of both the Women Against Crime and Community Policing Forum. 

“Debbie played an integral and active part in the Kimberley Community Police Forum and structures, dedicated her time to the partnership and community over the years,” he said.

Besnaar said his team handed over groceries, as well as financial assistance to the family. He thanked all the role players who supported the initiative.

“I would like to emphasize that the role of the police extends beyond traditional law enforcement, encompassing efforts to build stronger community relationships and address a wider range of public safety needs, ultimately striving to create safer and more supportive communities for all,” said Besnaar.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Traffic fines worth R31 000 issued

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The law enforcement agencies issue traffic fines/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 April 2025- The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, led the second phase of a community engagement initiative in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 23 April 2025. The engagement took place at the Bothitong Community Hall, where various stakeholders and community members gathered.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the event was attended by the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, Station Commanders and SAPS Provincial Heads. Shemane said delegates and community members were welcomed by the Chairperson of Community Policing Forum (CPF), Alfios Kedithibetse.

“Colonel Mojalefa Nkunika outlined the purpose of the day, followed by messages of support delivered by representatives from key government departments, including the Department of Correctional Services, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, COGHSTA and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“The panel, comprising of representatives of the aforementioned departments together with Major General Besnaar, addressed concerns raised by community

members,” he said.

Shemane further said in addition to the open dialogue, the attendees had access to a variety of services offered by participating departments. He added, in his keynote address, Besnaar reaffirmed SAPS commitment to strengthening partnerships with communities to enhance safety and security for all residents.

“On 24 April 2025, the two day programme concluded with phase three that comprised of a multi-disciplinary operation along the N14 road, near Kuruman. The operation included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks and stop-and-search activities conducted by members from multiple units and departments.

“Crime prevention pamphlets were distributed to motorists and passengers. Compliance inspections were conducted at scrapyards, recycling facilities, and liquor outlets,” said Shemane.

He said operational outcomes included an arrest for possession of suspected drugs, as well as the searching of 146 vehicles and 341 individuals. Shemane said traffic fines totalling R31 7000, for an array of traffic violations, were issued.

“These crime prevention actions will continue throughout the weekend to address priority crimes. Community members were once again urged to partner with law enforcement and report suspicious activities and criminality to the SAPS via the MySAPS App or Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘Collectively We Can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The SAPS members during Walk-about event/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 April 2025- Aiming to strengthen policing endeavours, Major General Johnny Besnaar, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, led a walk-about under the theme: “Collectively We Can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality” in Bothitong, near Kuruman on 23 April 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson,

Sergeant Molefi Shemane said accompanying him were Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, Provincial Head of Proactive Policing, Brigadier Amicus Alberts, Provincial Head of the Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) component and Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, the Acting District Commissioner for John Taolo Gaetsewe District.

Shemane said senior officers and station commanders within the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District were also in attendance.

“Besnaar and his delegation were welcomed by Brigadier Baloyi, followed by the reading SAPS Code of Conduct by Constable Burt-Leigh De Koker. The day’s activities and objectives of the engagement were outlined by Kopeledi.

“Alberts delivered key inputs during the session. In his keynote address, Besnaar officially launched Phase One of the walk-about, issuing a clear directive to station commanders to serve their communities with integrity,” he said.

Shemane further said he also addressed the prevailing crime trends in the district and emphasized the importance of strategic policing and community engagement. He added that Baloyi shared closing remarks after which the programme was concluded with acknowledgements rendered by Nkunika.

“The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing will embark on similar visits to the remaining districts clearly outlining expectations and formulating a way forward to effectively and efficiently address crime prevention in the Northern Cape,” said Shemane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police Stations in JTG District receive VFRs

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Police receive Victim Friendly Rooms/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in John Taolo Gaetsewe District received furniture for Victim Friendly Rooms. An official handing over event was held in Heuningvlei on 7 January 2025, where several stations within the district were beneficiaries.  

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, the acting District Commissioner for the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi and the Provincial Head for Pro-Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, handed over a vehicle and furniture to be utilised by Heuningvlei, Severn and VanZylsrus SAPS to efficiently equip Victim Friendly Rooms.

Otola said the services offered by the police in these rooms are of vital importance to ensure that victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual offences receive comfort and support after suffering traumatic experiences.

“This occasion is symbolic of our dedication and obligation towards creating a safe and secure environment for the vulnerable members of our community. These facilities provide a safe haven for victims, where they will receive counselling and other related essential services where they can feel safe and protected from their abusers.

“The policing of crimes against women, children, and vulnerable groups remains a priority for the police. The victims are urged to break the silence and report incidents to the police via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com