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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94 undocumented suspects arrested for illegal gold-mining


By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 94 undocumented suspects were nabbed during a multi-disciplinary and crime intelligence driven, Operation Vala Umgodi that was conducted in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoortdam by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Special Task Force (STF), Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Airwing, Mounted Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), K9, Visible Policing, ER24 and Harmony Gold Mine security, pounced on 94 undocumented ‘illegal’ miners on 1 February 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested at a mountainous part of the farm, where illegal gold mining was reported to be taking place. Mokgwabone further said during the arrest, the team seized large quantities of gold-bearing material and 139 generators worth R1.3 million.

“Additionally, 24 grinders, 95 jackhammers, hammers, chisels, pick-axes, shovels, cutting torches, gas bottles, electric mills, phendukas and explosives were seized.

“The suspects who are mainly Zimbabwe and Mozambique foreign nationals, are expected to make a first appearance before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 5 February 2024,” he added.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the team for their commitment and cooperation that resulted in the arrests and seizures. Kwena said this will serve as a warning that, the police working with other stakeholders will leave no stone unturned in dealing with illicit mining.

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