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More than 16 000 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 August 2026 – More than 16 684 suspects were arrested for various offences as part of ongoing efforts to combat and prevent crime through the nationwide Shanela Operation, carried out between 20 and 26 July 2026. The police said during this period, they also conducted immigration enforcement operations, resulting in the arrest of 1 869 illegal migrants, with Gauteng recording the most arrests, at 795.

The national police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said in addition, detectives arrested 2 547 wanted individuals linked to violent offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, carjackings, illegal possession of firearms and house and business robberies. Mukhathi said this week, amongst those arrested is a popular traditional healer from KwaMashu in Kwazulu-Natal for allegedly orchestrating the murders of African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe and eThekwini Metro Police officials, Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi.

“On 25 July 2026, the police arrested an alleged mastermind (37) behind the murder of the Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate councillor, Sinovuyo Dyokwe, following a joint intelligence-driven operation involving the Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) detectives and the Special Task Force (STF) in Parklands.

“Operation Shanela continues to send a strong message that crime and lawlessness will not be tolerated in South Africa, whether committed by locals or foreign nationals. The multidisciplinary operations yielded significant arrests,” he said.

Mukhathi further said 114 suspects were arrested for attempted murder. He added that the majority of arrests were recorded in Gauteng with 26, followed by the Eastern Cape with 24.

“More than 106 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, 152 suspects were arrested for rape, while 101 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms. The Western Cape arrested 38 suspects, followed by Gauteng with 20. More than 534 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, 660 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor and 230 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs.

“More than 2530 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs. The province of Western Cape recorded the highest number of arrests at 1 314. More than 1383 suspects were arrested for assault GBH and 715 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Mukhathi.

He said 128 unlicensed firearms seized, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Mukhathi said 2296 rounds of ammunition were also seized.

“Contraband goods worth more than R46 million were seized, including various types of drugs and 55 hijacked and stolen vehicles recovered. On 25 July 2026, Bloemfontein Flying Squad intercepted a white Volvo Stralis 430 truck on the N1 near Glen, suspected of transporting stolen copper cable.

“Centlec technicians confirmed some of the seized cables as company property, while Telkom and Eskom later identified additional cables worth over R300 000. A driver (43) was arrested and charged under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act for tampering with essential infrastructure and possession of stolen property. He will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Mukhathi said in Richwood, Bothasig, crime intelligence arrested a a suspect (29) at an apartment used as a gang storage facility. He said the police seized seven pistols, 17 magazines, 1 030 rounds of ammunition and assorted drugs valued at R10 million. He said a suspect (40) from Ebony Park was arrested by the Ekurhuleni Task Team, where nine unlicensed firearms (including five AK-47s), rounds of ammunition and four stolen vehicles (Mercedes Benz, BMW, two VW Polos) were recovered.

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690 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 June 2026 – The police in the North West continue to make significant strides in the fight against crime following the successful execution of Operation Shanela II, which resulted in the arrest of 690 suspects for various offences across the province between 15 and 21 June 2026. The intelligence-driven operation focused on preventing and combating serious and violent crime through high-density policing, roadblocks, vehicle control points, stop-and-search operations and the tracing of wanted suspects. 

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said during the week-long operation, police arrested suspects for a range of serious and priority crimes, including five for murder, three for rape, four for illegal possession of firearms, 26 for dealing in drugs, 52 for possession of drugs, 33 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 21 for residential burglary, 11 for business burglary and 83 illegal immigrants. Magakoe said in addition, detectives arrested 529 wanted suspects, including those linked to murder, rape, business robbery, house robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“The police also confiscated and recovered several illegal items, including three firearms, ammunition, dagga, crystal meth (Tik), mandrax tablets, liquor, packets of illicit tobacco products, cellphones, eight (8) generators and two (2) vehicles, among other exhibits,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Naidoo, reiterated that police will continue to intensify Operation Shanela II, working closely with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to keep communities safe. Naidoo urges community members to continue working with the police by reporting criminal activities through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

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1482 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Items confiscated during Operation Shanela II/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 April 2026 – For the past two weeks, the police in North West in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted successful, comprehensive, high-density Shanela 2 operations aimed at reducing and preventing crime, as well as enhancing community safety across the province.

These efforts resulted in the arrest of 1 482 suspects for various offences, including, amongst others, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, possession of illicit cigarettes, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary, and malicious damage to property.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the operation focused on hotspot areas and included compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects, searches for drugs and stolen property, as well as roadblocks, stop-and-search activities, and increased police visibility. Myburgh said during the operations, nine unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down, while 40 second-hand goods outlets were inspected.

“A total of 130 undocumented persons were detained. Detectives also arrested 585 suspects during tracing operations conducted across the province. Items confiscated during the operation included various drugs, alcohol, ammunition, copper cables, drugs, dagga, tobacco products, and firearms,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended all members involved for their dedication and the successful outcomes achieved during the weekly High-Density Shanela 2 Operations. Naidoo further urged communities to actively continue working closely with the police, because the fight against crime cannot be won by the police alone, but requires active community involvement, where residence take a stand against criminality, report suspicious activities, and partner with law enforcement through the Community Police Forum (CPF) structures to safeguard all neighbourhoods.

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Suspects arrested during Easter holiday

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 April 2026 – Twelve suspects were arrested by the police in Thabo Mofutsanyana District during Easter holiday operations for various serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and drug-related crimes. The intensified, high-visibility policing operations yielded positive results in both police-driven and community-reported crimes.

However, the district also recorded an increase in cases of murder, attempted murder and rape. The police said six suspects were arrested in connection with murder cases reported across Nketoana, Setsoto, Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela municipalities.

“Among the victims were two women, who were murdered in separate incidents in Reitz and Warden. In Marquard, five suspects were arrested for possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and drugs. The confiscated drugs include crystal meth and mandrax.

“Several attempted murder cases were also reported, stemming from shooting incidents and stabbings, often occurring in public spaces where individuals were under the influence of alcohol. The police also reported disturbing rape incidents involving vulnerable victims, including a 66-year-old person and minors,” the police said.

The police said in one particularly case in the Bluegumbosch Disaster Park Section, a woman was allegedly raped by seven suspects while walking home from a local tavern. They said furthermore, four additional suspects, including a police officer, were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and defeating the ends of justice.

“A total of four illegal firearms were seized during operations conducted in Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba and Tseki. An undocumented foreign national was also arrested during these operations.

“All arrested suspects appeared before various Magistrate Courts yesterday. The police commended community members, who provided valuable information leading to these arrests,” the police said.

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A man jailed for sexually violating a corpse

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Picture: A corpse at the mortuary/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 March 2026- A man (42) from Hopetown was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, additional ten years for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and a further ten years for the sexual violation of a corpse. All sentences will run concurrently.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the accused, Salmom Kammies, was found guilty on charges of assault, rape, and murder and subsequently sentenced in the Kimberley High Court. Shemane said it was established during the trial that on 3 May 2024, the accused handed himself over to the police, alleging that he had acted in self-defence following an argument with his girlfriend.

“The police responded to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of the victim, Liezel Louw (29), in a bedroom. The body was found naked, with multiple bruises and stab wounds.

“The accused was arrested and remained in custody after bail was successfully opposed until the finalisation of the case,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Phillip Kleynhans, for his meticulous investigation and dedication in ensuring that justice is served. Mtukushe further reassured the public that the police will not tolerate the abuse, rape, and killing of vulnerable individuals.

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Police discourage hitchhiking due to safety concerns

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Picture: People hitchhiking/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 March 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape discourage hitchhiking due to considerable safety concerns, including the commission of related violent crimes such as robbery and sexual assault. The police said the dangers effect both the person seeking a lift and as well as the driver.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said hitchhikers are at risk of falling victim to opportunistic criminals, which can include murder, rape, armed robbery and assault. Ehlers said women and children are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault and rape after accepting rides from strangers.

“Victims may be robbed and left in isolated, unfamiliar areas. Hitchhiking on public roads increases the risk of hit-and-run accidents. In some cases, victims have been forced to borrow money from their contacts or provide banking details while held under duress.

“Long-distance drivers have also been known to demand sex in exchange for a lift. Hitchhiking on freeways is strictly prohibited and can pose a danger to both pedestrians and motorists. Individuals may pose as hitchhikers with the intention of hijacking the vehicle, sometimes at gunpoint,” she said.

Ehlers further said drivers have also been subject to violence, including rape and murder, by people they pick up. She added that in light of this, the police urge the public to avoid hitchhiking entirely and instead use safe, reliable public transport options.

“Prioritise personal safety and avoid getting into cars with people you do not know. Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, do not accept the ride. For emergencies or to report suspicious activity, contact the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS app,” said Ehlers.

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Excessive consumption of alcohol considered main generator of contact crimes

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By REGINALD KANYANE

23 January 2026- The police in Northern Cape said the excessive consumption of alcohol is considered as the main generator or the root cause of contact crimes, include the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes, sexual assaults, rape, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH and assault common. The police said hence the policing of contact crimes and other related crimes associated with excessive alcohol consumption remains a priority for them.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said crime pattern and crime threat analysis has indicated that these crimes are prevalent during the weekends, when there is a high consumption of alcohol. Shemane said against this backdrop, communities are urged to adhere to and implement the following safety hints to prevent falling victim any form of contact crimes.

“Stay alert – awareness is your best defence. Always leave venues with friends wherever possible. Never go to the bathroom alone, always use a buddy system at public venues. Never accept drinks or lifts from strangers. Always stay in well-lit areas and never walk alone in secluded areas.

“Travel as if you know where you are going. Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around. Trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong then act on it. Avoid flashing valuable items as it attracts criminals for robbery and sexual assault,” he said.

Shemane further said they should not carry weapons when they attending social gatherings. He added that they should ensure that they have their keys available when they reach their home or car.

“Keep money for transport and plan in advance – the expense is worth it. Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary. If you are a victim, get help immediately. Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you in trouble.

“If you have been attacked, do not shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence. Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of crime. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption– you need to give a clear account of what happened,” said Shemane.

He said they should never leave their drink unattended as it could be tampered with, leaving them to be victims of date rape. Shemane said that they should stay alert and safe.

“Do not physically intervene in fights – you could get hurt yourself, rather call police. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone. Remember, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence. Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on.

“If you do not have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your cell phone or write a draft text message.  Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or police.  Always have an emergency contact on speed dial,” he said.

Shemane said if they see something, they should say something. He encouraged them to call their nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.

“Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app,” said Shemane.

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1325 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 December 2025- The police in North West and other law enforcement agencies have apprehended 1325 suspects for different crimes between 22 and 28 December 2025, during weekly high density Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season operations conducted across the province. The police said the suspects were arrested for different crimes, including murder, rape, assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, dealing in drugs, dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, among others.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of the 1325 arrested suspects, 344 were arrested by the Detectives as being on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists. Mokgwabone said the operations also addressed identified crime generators through Joint Law Enforcement compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts.

“As a result, 28 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed and large quantities of liquor were confiscated. In addition, the operations led to the confiscation of eight firearms, 84 rounds of ammunition, 17 cell phones, three vehicles, a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, fireworks, and tobacco products.

“In Sun City, in the Bojanala Sub-District 2, five suspects aged between 25 and 37, were on 27 December 2025, arrested at different addresses in Ledig village, near Sun City, for possession of drugs. The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven multidisciplinary operation. During the arrests, the police confiscated drugs such as mandrax, rock, crystal meth, nyaope and khat, with an estimated street value of R10 500,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in addition, the team confiscated R18 000 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. He added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court for possession of drugs.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all law enforcement agencies members for arresting the suspects as part of ensuring the wellbeing and safety of their communities during the Christmas holidays.

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SAUCIC applauds three life sentences for convicted GBVF perpetrator      

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 December 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Friday applauded the recent three life terms of imprisonment imposed on convicted Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) perpetrator, Mothupi Tjale Tau (36) from Brooklyn in Sekhukhune District by the Limpopo High Court. SAUCIC said Tau who had presented himself as a prophet to offer spiritual guidance to the Malepe family, was given additional 37 years imprisonment for multiple offences, including two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Patrick Modiri Shole said on behalf of affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches, they trust that the stiff sentence would serve as a different to other heartless perpetrators of GBVF who are abusing their authority, as well as trust gained by virtue of them masquerading as servants of God, while they are deceitful and manipulative wolves in sheep skin.

Shole expressed hope that the family that had lost two of their loved ones, i.e. Helen Teiwa Malepe and her daughter Kgaogelo Michelle Malepe will find closure knowing that justice has been served.

“The appropriate sentence will go a long way towards restoring confidence in the criminal justice system, while also sending an unequivocal message against gender-based violence and femicide.

“Characters like Tau who target vulnerable victims that are desperate are scammers and fraudsters that are a disgrace to the Body of Christ and also bring the church into disrepute,” he said.

Shole further said his coldblooded murder of the mother and her daughter, as well as the despicable rape are heinous and treacherous acts. He added that the trauma that Tau had caused to the boy (5), by subjecting him to barbaric and psychological torture was unimaginable and heartrending to say the least.

“Tau’s removal from society as per the court judgement is not only appropriate but desirable for the safety of everyone in the area. The court had found that Tau, who had pleaded not guilty, presented himself at the Oaks village to the house of the deceased, Hellen Malepe between 29 and 30 December 2023, to demand money for services rendered.

“He forcefully dragged the deceased from her house to the nearby bushes, where he stabbed her multiple times leaving her for dead, robbing her of her cell phone before fleeing the scene,” said Shole.

He said the accused then went back to the house of the deceased (mother) and found the second deceased, her daughter and strangled her until she was unconscious, thereafter raped her inside their home. Shole said Tau also inflicted grievous bodily injuries on her.

“She later succumbed to her injuries and was certified dead at the scene inside her home. After the ordeal, he stuffed her son (5) with a jersey in his mouth, tied him with a masking tape around his mouth and tied his hands behind his back and locked him inside the house, leaving him in full exposure of her deceased sister’s lifeless body.

“After thorough investigation by the police, the accused was arrested and kept in custody until his trial. The accused was ultimately found guilty of these charges after he claimed that he was not responsible for these vile acts,” he said.

Shole said the court further ordered for his name to be registered in the National Register of the Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the firearms control Act 60 of 2000. He said the accused is further not eligible to work with children.

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308 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police seized home-made beer/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 August 2025- More than 308 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary, theft, illegal possession of ammunition, malicious damage to property and illegal dealing in liquor.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said this includes possession of dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft out of motor vehicles, possession and dealing in drugs, illicit mining, stock theft, as well as undocumented immigrants.

Sam said several wanted suspects were traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.

“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash that are believed to be the proceeds of crime. Numerous awareness campaigns aimed at women emancipation and gender-based violence were activated across the province in conjunction with the Women’s Network and Men for Change, as well as community policing structures.

“Operation Shanela remains focused in clamping down on crime in the province. This is evident in the weekly arrests and police actions executed from 25 until 31August 2025, with the focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspot areas which netted 308 suspects,” he said.

Sam further said actions and police activities executed during the operations include, vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling actions. He added that several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 3546 vehicles and 6663 persons were stopped and searched.

“Numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. Otola said Operation Shanela II successes are due to improved collaboration between the private sector and communities in the fight against crime.

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