Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 March 2025 – More than 1227 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary at residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said of the 1227 arrested suspects, 424 were wanted for contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and common, as well as house and business robberies. Mokgwabone said they were held during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.
“Furthermore, a total of 28 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.
“In Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 14 March 2025, a fine of R1000 was imposed on a man (33), after he was found transporting liquor without a delivery note. Moreover, a joint roadblock on the R509 (Potchefstroom/Carletonville) road, resulted in the issuing of fines worth R6200 to eight motorists for road traffic related offences,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said items such as 95 ammunition, three firearms, three vehicles and a variety of drugs, were confiscated during the operations. He added that Operation Shanela will continue to bring more perpetrators to book as part of ensuring that the communities are and feel safe.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province to ensure the safety and security of the inhabitants.
11 March 2025- Four men who brutally killed two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50), and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42), in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng, were sentenced by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng. The accused, Benjamin Kerneels Jacobs (45), Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27), and Mathews Modukanele (23), were found guilty on multiple charges, including theft of stock, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the convictions stem from a tragic incident on 26 July 2021, where Molete and Ntsekeletsa, from Mareetsane Police Station, stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. Gunya said the occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station.
“On the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance. As one officer attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with hammers, restrained them with a rope, and loaded them into the back of the police van.
“Later, authorities discovered a burnt police vehicle at Mosita Wildlife Farm, near Vryburg, with two bodies inside, burnt beyond recognition. The vehicle was confirmed to be the SAPS bakkie used by the deceased officers,” he said.
Gunya further said following a swift investigation, police arrested three of the accused at a residence in Logageng, where they also recovered a Z88 pistol with nine live rounds hidden under a mattress. He added that the fifth accused, who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution.
“As a result, the charges against him were withdrawn. It was later revealed that accused number one was the father of the state witness. In court, all four accused pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
“In aggravation of the sentence, state prosecutor advocate Siphiwo Jika, submitted Victim Impact statements from the police and the family members of the deceased, emphasising the devastating impact of the crime,” said Gunya.
He said Jika urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, as they all showed a lack of remorse throughout the trial. Gunya said the presiding Judge agreed with the state.
“She said the community still needs to have confidence in the police. Benjamin Jacobs, Gaorekwe Mongale and Rapula Keaikitse were each sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for stock theft, 15 years for robbery aggravating circumstances, 10 years for count of kidnapping, two counts of life imprisonment for murder, 6 years for defeating the ends of justice, 10 years for malicious property damage, 15 years for unlawful possession of firearms and 10 years for possession of ammunition.
“Sentences to run concurrently with life imprisonment for murder. Mathews Modukanele was sentenced to 5 years for stock theft, 15 years for robbery aggravating circumstances, 10 years for each count of kidnapping and 4 years for malicious property damage,” said Gunya.
He said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently with the 15 years imprisonment for robbery aggravating circumstances. Gunya said the accused were all declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the acting Provincial Head of the
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, welcomed the sentence and thanked all the role players for their collaborative efforts to ensure that justice is served. They pointed out that the killing of police officers undermines the authority of the state and that the sentence will convey a strong message that those who kill police officers or any other person who serves to protect society and our citizens deserve a harsh punishment as seen in this case.
11 February 2025- More than 1051 suspects were arrested for various crimes around the North West province during the high density Operation Shanela that was conducted between 3 and 9 February 2025. The operations conducted by police and other law enforcement agencies, led to the arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said this includes possession of drugs and theft out of/from motor vehicles, among others. Manyoba said of the 1051 arrests, 430 were affected during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.
“Additionally, 65 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by immigration officials after failing to prove their legal status in the country.
“In Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, the operation by the provincial office and Ikageng Police Station personnel, as well as BIU Security on 7 February 2025, resulted in the arrest of five suspects and confiscation of drugs that included mandrax and crystal meth,” she said.
Manyoba further said, liquor was confiscated after two illegal liquor outlets were shut down at Sonderwater and Extension 9. She added that, all operational arrests were effected through the execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points (VCPs), visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises.
“We also conducted a search on second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others. The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, liquor, seven dangerous weapons, a hand gun, 150 cell phones, vehicle parts, unwrought precious metals, tobacco products and three vehicles,” said Manyoba.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated members, units and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province to ascertain that citizens are and feel safe.
28 January 2025- More than 186 suspects arrested during Operation Shanela, that is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on 20 until 26 January 2025.
The suspects were arrested for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as undocumented illegal immigrants and wanted persons.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela focuses on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspot areas. Kock said in total, 9900 actions and police activities were executed, which included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling.
“Numerous vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks, were conducted across the province
during which 1929 vehicles and 4623 persons were stopped and searched. Various compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed.
“Random schools were also visited with Safer Schools representatives of both the Education Department and South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of the disruptive actions,” he said.
Kock further said the police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non-ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that the success of Operation Shanela in the province is as a result of stakeholder collaboration. Otola said the robust involvement of the community and all other relevant role players in crime fighting endeavours is pivotal in dismantling criminal activities, thus ensuring that no one is left behind.
“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.
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.
25 November 2024- More than 948 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the North West during Operation Shanela. The operation was conducted by the police and other law enforcement agencies between 18 until 24 November 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said, the suspects were amongst others, arrested for illicit mining, rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises. Funani said these include possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Out of the 948 arrested suspects, 439 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, illicit mining, house robbery and business robbery.
“Two hundred and fifty-nine, were arrested during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Additionally, 64 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing,” she said.
Funani further said the arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers and many others.
She added that the operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, computers, laptops, counterfeit goods, 9 cell phones, illegal cigarettes, 29 ammunition, four firearms, copper cable, liquor and four vehicles.
“During the operations, 14 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. The Operation Shanela continues to yield more positive results,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province and for making sure that the citizens are protected.
Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
More than 800 suspects were arrested for various offenses between 12 and 18 August 2024. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises.
This also includes possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, of the 828 arrested, 288 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, house robbery and business robbery, while 388 were held during Detectives suspect raiding operations.
“Additionally, 102 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises.
“They were also effected during a raid at Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others. The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, explosives, 4 cell phones, nine ammunition, a firearm, liquor and three vehicles,” she said.
Funani further said during the operations, three illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. She added that in the Inter-Provincial Roadblock held on the N12 road by Gauteng and North West on 16 August 2024, a total of six suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing, while 438 persons and 191 vehicles were stopped and searched.
“In addition, more than 90 fines were issued to motorists. Different safety tips pamphlets were distributed,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended members, units and other law enforcement agencies for successful operation Shanela that resulted in the arrests of the suspects. Kwena thanked the law enforcement agencies for always putting the safety of North West people first and for dedicating time to Operation Shanela.
More than 820 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said out of 820 arrested suspects, 288 were wanted for contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common and other crimes such as house robbery and business robbery.
Funani further said 388 suspects were held during detective suspect raiding operations. She added that 108 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.
“The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers and tracing of wanted suspects, among others.
“The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, explosives, four ammunition, a firearm, liquor and six vehicles. During the operations, three illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police, units and other law enforcement agencies for successful operation Shanela that resulted in the arrests of 820 suspects for various crimes in the province between 22 and 28 July 2024. Kwena thanked the law enforcement agencies for always putting first the safety of people and for dedicating their time to Operation Shanela.
More than 793 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela which was conducted around the province starting from 15 to 21 July 2024. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle, theft out of / from motor vehicle and 54 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said of the 793 arrested suspects, 347 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, house robbery and business robbery. Myburgh said 29 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.
“The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of 56 licensed liquor premises, 13 Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.
“The operation also resulted in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, four handguns and ammunition, three vehicles, liquor, tobacco products, and 11kg of copper cables,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for these successes and thanked the police for working tirelessly in keeping suspects behind bars.
More than 768 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for crimes such as for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, possession of drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, theft out of / from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of 768 suspects, 314 were wanted and arrested during detective suspect raiding operations. Mokgwabone said in addition, 44 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.
“The arrests were effected during execution of various actions that included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, to mention a few. During the operations, goods such as drugs, 40 ammunition, three firearms, liquor and seven cell phones.
“As part of the operations, two suspects were arrested in Delareyville and Lichtenburg for dealing in drugs on 21 June 2024. The pair was found in possession of mandrax and crystal meth separately. The estimated street value of drugs is R7000. The police in the province working together with other role players continued with high density operations between 19 and 24 June 2024, to prevent and combat crime,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all role players for their continued efforts in the fight against crime to ensure safer communities.
The Guardian 