31 July 2025- The police in Northern Cape said as part of the ongoing crime-fighting efforts of Operation Shanela 2, detectives from the Roodepan SAPS successfully traced and arrested 13 wanted suspects during a targeted operation. The police said the tracing operation led by Captain Teno Slambert on 30 July 2025, resulted in the apprehension of suspects aged between 18 and 52.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said individuals were sought in connection with a range of serious offences, including murder, robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), contravention of protection orders, domestic violence, obstruction of justice, and outstanding warrants of arrest.
Shemane said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Frances Baard District remains committed to ensuring that those who evade justice are held accountable.
“Tracing operations will continue without interruption,” he said.
Picture: One of the suspects arrested by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 May 2025– A total of 249 suspects were arrested for various offences such as, including, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug dealing, illicit liquor trading, robbery, murder and attempted murder. Some of the suspects were also arrested for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), Burglary at business and residential premises.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the detective unit also continued with the tracing of wanted suspects who were evading the law for an array of crimes. Pilane said significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be proceeds of crime were confiscated.
“Stolen livestock was also recovered and two suspects arrested in Upington in the ZFM District. Community engagements and awareness campaigns remain ongoing, with the aim of educating the public on crime trends, prevention strategies, and safety measures.
“The weekly high-density, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela continues to yield positive results in the fight against crime across the Northern Cape province,” he said.
Pilane further said the week-long operation, which ran from 5 to 11 May 2025, was conducted across all five districts and led by District Commissioners and senior officers of the province.
He added that crime prevention initiatives included stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), compliance inspections, and targeted interventions aimed at addressing drug and alcohol related crimes as well as trio crimes.
“The operation saw collaboration from various external stakeholders, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Liquor Board.
“During the operation, 3456 vehicles and 7237 persons were stopped and searched at VCPs and roadblocks. In addition, over 500 individuals were searched during high-visibility patrols,” said Pilane.
He said numerous liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers were inspected for compliance, resulting in the closure of multiple non-compliant and illegal liquor outlets.
Meanwhile, acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the collaborative efforts of all participating departments, law enforcement agencies, and community policing forums, citing that nobody will be left behind. Ngunelanga said the public is encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal activity via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.
Picture: Daniel Brand (his wife, Breggie Brand, and their daughter Elsabie Brand)
By REGINALD KANYANE
13 March 2025- Three accused persons were sentenced to a combined 97 years imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for three counts of murder, robbery, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice. On 26 July 2020, the victims, Daniel Brand (83), his wife, Breggie Brand (73), and their daughter Elsabie Brand (54), were at their residence at Plot 2M9 Farm in Magogong, near Hartswater.
They were violently attacked by the accused, Donald Mothusimang Seoloseng (25), Tsepo Visagie (43) and Tshepaone Melato (24). The victims sustained various blunt and sharp force trauma injuries to their heads and bodies.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victims were robbed of two vehicles, a Nissan Micra and Mazda 5, three laptops, their cell phones, and a handbag with personal belongings. Shemane said they were found dead on 28 July 2020.
“The suspects were arrested by the Provincial Detectives and Hartswater K9 members, while on their way to sell the deceased personal belongings. The investigating officers, Colonel Jeffrey Kanakang and Lieutenant Colonel Basil Buys, recovered all stolen property.
“The Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley, sentenced Melato, Seolesang and Visagie 43 each to 25 years imprisonment for murder, 15 years each for robbery with aggravating circumstances and 5 years each for defeating the ends if justice and 2 more years for Seoleseng, for escaping from lawful custody,” he said.
Shemane said the defeating the ends of justice and escaping from lawful custody will run concurrently with murder the robbery sentences.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the judgment and reassured communities that crimes against the elderly remain the priority of the police in the province and will be vigorously policed and investigated.
Picture: One of suspects nabbed during tracing operations/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 February 2025- More than 17 suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various offences such as murder, pointing of firearm, assault GBH, theft, robbery, assault common, and contravention of protection orders, were arrested. The suspects have allegedly been evading court appearances and court orders.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said all suspects were arrested at their respective residences in and around Roodepan. Sam said they will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.
“The police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services.
“Information relating to crime can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111 and will be treated confidentially,” he said.
Picture: Some of items confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 258 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested by multi-disciplinary teams in all five districts for crimes such as illegal possession of firearms, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault and burglary.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Detectives traced and arrested 103 wanted suspects for serious crimes, including business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.
Ehlers said the multi-disciplinary teams conducted the searching of premises, stop and search actions, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, roadblocks, and vehicle check points.
“A total of 21 863 persons and 11 436 vehicles were stopped and searched. Twelve unlicensed liquor outlets were closed, and over 2 000 litres of alcohol was confiscated. A considerable amount of drugs, counterfeit goods, and dangerous weapons were seized during the actions.
“Operation Shanela will not relax efforts to combat priority crimes in hotspot areas in order to secure the safety of all inhabitants and essential infrastructures in the Northern Cape,” she said.
Ehlers further said the Operation Shanela said was executed from 17 to 23 June 2024, throughout the Northern Cape to address priority crimes, including illegal firearms, contact crimes, trio crimes and aggravating robbery.
Picture: More than 600 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 600 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said 676 suspects were apprehended for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault and stock theft.
Kock said this includes burglary, theft out of motor vehicles, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
He further said some of the suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, illegal immigrants as well as contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act. Kock added that, of 676 total arrests, 585 were wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for numerous offences.
“The arrests were executed during tracing operations by detectives across the province. Disruptive actions focusing on the illegal trading in liquor, resulted in the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons at illegal liquor outlets and other hot spot crime areas.
“The multi-disciplinary high density operation remains steadfast and intentional in stabilizing crime. The intensified police operations commenced from 3 until 10 March 2024, with a specific focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspot areas, which ensured the multitude of successes,” he said.
Kock said actions and police activities executed during the operations included, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling and tracing operations by detectives. He said 48 VCPs and several roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2711 vehicles and 5672 persons were stopped and searched.
“Numerous police actions were executed, including compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses, school visits as well as farms,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reiterated that the police will continue to robustly and vigorously prevent and combat crime. Otola also commended all the law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, including the Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures for the concerted efforts in addressing crime in the province.
Picture: The rape convict, Ontsheketse Tshabile/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A rapist (43) has been sentenced to 11 life terms imprisonment by the North West High sitting in Klerksdorp for various rapes he committed. Johannes Ontsheketse Tshabile, also sentenced to 363 years for other serious charges that include nine charges of rape, attempted murder, theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances, robbery, attempted robbery, assault, assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, attempt to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault.
Tshabile, who was on the list of the most wanted criminals in the North West, pleaded not guilty to all 65 charges which the court found him guilty on.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Tshabile’s criminal activities took place in Wolmaransstad between December 2012 and May 2018. Myburgh said he accosted unsuspecting women on the streets.
“Tshabile would then drag them to nearby fields, threaten them with a knife, rob them of their belongings and rape them before fleeing the scene. In some instances, he would strangle, stab with a knife and assault with bricks and other objects before robbing and raping his victims.
“He would in some instances, accost couples and attack the male counterparts and assault them before robbing and raping their partners after they had fled the scene. Amongst his victims, were a girl (15) and an elderly woman (65), who endured the pain in his hands,” she said.
Myburgh further said it also emerged in court that, in some incidents, he was accompanied by an unknown accomplice who also committed similar offences with him. She added that, Tshabile was linked to the offences through DNA specimens.
“Tshabile was arrested in 2019 following an intensive police investigation and the court denied him bail. He also managed to escape from the Wolmaransstad Police Station, aided by a police officer. However, he was later re-arrested and the police officer was dismissed from duty and criminally charged.
“The matter is still pending in court. In aggravation of the sentence, Adv Riekie Krause, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, considering the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma suffered by the victims in the hands of Tshabile,” she said.
Krause urged the court to consider the Victim Impact Statements, wherein the victims describe their ordeal and the trauma they continue to suffer in their day-to-day lives, owing to the rape and assault incidents.
Judge Tebogo Djadje, agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the court has in protecting society against such perpetrators, particularly after they lived in fear for almost six years. She described Tshabile as remorseless and having no regard for women and children.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Pule Morake from the South African Police Service (SAPS) for ensuring that the victims were afforded the justice they deserve.
They commended the role played by the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) for discharging their mandate of prioritising sexual offences cases and the Thuthuzela Care Center for providing the necessary support to the victims in preparation for trial.
Picture: The police conduct stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 369 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle and illegal possession of firearms.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Timothy Sam said this includes illicit mining, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as undocumented illegal immigrants.
“The suspects were also apprehended for stock theft and illegal possession of ammunition. The actions and police activities executed during the operations included, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling.
“Several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 3194 vehicles and 5657 persons were stopped and searched. Numerous compliance inspections at secondhand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were also executed,” he said.
Sam further said Operation Shanela is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation, which commenced on 25-28 January 2024 with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes.
“More than 109 daily wanted suspects were also traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.
“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he added.
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. She commended the community for their support and being whistle-blowers by reporting crime.
Mooinooi- on Sunday, 11 June 2012 around 02:00 early hours of the morning the police, the Mooinooi police registered a business robbery case.
The police received a call from the landlord who overheard a commotion at her back yard dwelling. It is alleged that that the tenants who run a tavern at the back yard heard a knock at the door, someone pretending to be a police instructing them to open the door.
At this time tavern was closed and they were already in bed.
The tavern owner asked her brother to open the door, three armed men forced their way in as the brother unlocked the door.
“They assaulted her brother demanding money and they took cigarettes worth R200 and R5000 cash. When the police arrived at the scene, they caught one suspect attempting to escape with their car” Brigadier Ngubane said.
A magazine with seven live rounds and police blue light were found on the scene. The police are investigating a case of Business robbery and one of the suspects was arrested while the other two are still at large.
An Automated Telling Machine (ATM) was bombed in Brits in the early hours of Thursday 31 May 2012 at about 2:00.
The incident occurred at Assen Green Store. Police are still looking for five suspects who run away after allegedly blasting the ATM.
Police were summoned to a scene after they received a tip off that there were people who are trying to bomb an ATM. The police team, swiftly reacted to the information and pursued them, during the alleged chase,
“The suspects started shooting at the police and that resulted on cross fire between the police and the suspects. No one was injured during the shooting spree”Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.
North West police together with a team formed by National Intervention, two police choppers, tracker team (suspect tracing unit) and K9 Unit were part of the search.
“The suspects drove away and decided to abandon their car and left the scene on foot and disappeared along the bushes around Madinyana near Jerico” Ngubane continues.
The abandoned Golf 5 vehicle has been under police guard and it is believed to have been high jacked from Midrand in 2011.
Pistol live ammunition, R5, AK 47 rifles , empty cartridges and undisclosed amount of cash were found inside the vehicle.
The search for the five suspects still continues and the police are urging community members around Jerico and Madinyana not try and arrest the suspects by themselves.
They are urging community to report them to the nearest Police Station.
The Guardian 