Tag Archives: stop and searches

Over 1000 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: A red Polo Vivo and firearms seized by police/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

28 January 2026 – The police said high density safer festive season Operation Shanela II continues to bear fruits as over 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the North West. The police said in collaboration with other stakeholders, they have worked hard to ensure that members of the community in all five districts are and feel safe.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said weekly actions and activities, which commenced on 19 until 25 January 2026, included Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols and compliance inspections that were conducted across the province.

Tselanyane said the weekly operations saw 1083 suspects arrested for crimes ranging from, among others, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH, assault common, burglaries at residential and businesses premises, theft off/out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and illegal migrants.

“Furthermore, the dedication and commitment of the detectives to bring those who thought they can evade the long arm of the law, resulted in the tracing and arrest of 268 wanted suspects for serious crimes including murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of firearms.

“In a notable incident, police received information about suspects, who are in possession of unlicensed firearms, suspected to be involved in a spree of robberies, reported in Delareyville. The information was operationalised and on 23 January 2026, at around 10pm, the Provincial Tracing Task Team, Lichtenburg K9 as well as Mahikeng Crime Intelligence, pounced on them, when the vehicle they were traveling in had a puncture on the road between Delareyville and Vrisgewaagte,” he said.

Tselanyane further said four accused, Kegomoditswe Samuel Mooketsi (28), Mangaliso Godfrey Tubatsi (31), Falakhe James Khumalo (30) and Letlhogonolo Christopher Mosala (34), were immediately arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms after a search of their vehicle, a red Volkswagen Polo, led to the discovery of four firearms (all pistols) with serial numbers filed off as well as 22 rounds of ammunition.

He added that they all appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 26 January 2026 and were remanded in custody until 10 February 2026, for a formal bail application.

“Investigation into the matter continues and linking the accused to other cases is imminent,” said Tselanyane.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the police for their ongoing dedication and professionalism displayed during the Safer Festive Season Shanela 2 operations. Naidoo emphasised that police in the province will continue to pursue criminals relentlessly and ensure that justice is served.

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The Safer Festive Season Operations in full swing

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search across Northern Cape/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 December 2024- The Safer Festive Season Operations is in full swing in all five districts in the Northern Cape. The operations encompass high-density operations that include regular roadblocks, stop and searches, the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects and the heightened police visibility.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police visibility aimed at preventing, combating serious and violent crimes during this holiday season and beyond.

Sam further said the weekly multi-disciplinary high density operations which commenced on 9 until 15 December 2024, executed resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 458 suspects and the confiscation of numerous items.

He added that the police actions included vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks that were conducted across the province during which a total of 5226 vehicles and 13 155 persons were stopped and searched.

“Numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were executed.

“Operational successes achieved, included the arrest of 414 suspects for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, theft off or out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, robbery, rape and possession of dangerous weapons,” said Sam.

He said this includes dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, illicit mining, possession of precious metals, stock theft and other crimes. Sam said the police in Niewoudtville, Garies and Springbok in the Namakwa District, arrested criminal elements for drugs and non-ferrous metal crimes.

“In Petrusville, Pixley Ka Seme District, police nabbed a drug dealer with drugs concealed in a “Spookie” packet of chips and seized all exhibits. More than 44 wanted suspects were traced and brought to book by detectives for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.  

“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, copper and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime and closed 37 unlicensed liquor premises,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to the District Commissioners for taking a lead in ensuring all boots are on the ground during this festive season and applauded all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. She also urged all to be alert, vigilant and report any suspicious criminal activity immediately to the police using the SAPS 08600 10111 number, the MySAPS app and or inform a friend or security.

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More than 167 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024- More than 167 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The police in Northern Cape said these actions and activities with the emphasis on High density operations, commenced on 18 until 24 November 2024.

The northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said these 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.

Shemane said during the weekly safer festive season operations, 167 suspects were arrested for crimes such as illegal possession of ammunition, dealing in drugs, assault common and GBH, murder, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robberies, attempted murder, burglaries, malicious damage to property and undocumented persons.

“Also, 40 VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2255 vehicles and 4323 persons were stopped and searched. The police closed 15 unlicensed liquor premises.

“Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, and liquor premises. mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited. This has enhanced efforts to curb crime as we celebrate the festive season period,” he said.

Shemane further said actions were executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. He added that during the operations, the police confiscated a firearm, ammunition, dangerous weapons, thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and copper cables.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that the police will be on high alert and the operations will continue undoubtedly during the festive season period and beyond. Otola said it will be all hands on deck, leaving no one behind during this period and beyond.

“We urge community members to make use of the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPS App when reporting criminal activities,” she said.

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More than 390 suspects nabbed for various crimes in Northern Cape

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Picture: Some of items confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 October 2024- More than 390 suspects were arrested for various offences across the Northern Cape during Operation Shanela. 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.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said several vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks, were conducted across the province during which a total of 2013 vehicles and 4243 persons were stopped and searched.

Sam said numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were executed. He further said operational successes achieved, included the arrest of 113 suspects for attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol, robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, stock theft and other crimes.

“Operation Shanela remains steadfast in its objective to reduce contact and violent crimes, as well as all other categories of crime. The weekly multidisciplinary high density operation which commenced on 7 until 13 October 2024, executed in the five districts.

“This resulted in the arrest of 390 suspects and the confiscation of numerous items. The police in an endeavour to address the root causes of crime conducted awareness campaigns in Lime Acres, Marydale and Galeshewe, targeting learners at schools and commuters at roadblocks,” said Sam.

He added that 177 wanted suspects were traced and brought to book by detectives for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders. Sam said the police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, vehicles, copper and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

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 indicated that through robust community participation and support, the police’s actions and efforts will be strengthened and reinforced.

“We highly-appreciate their efforts in fighting crime together,” she said.

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