Tag Archives: The acting North West Police Commissioner

Three men jailed for rape in separate incidents

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By OBAKENG MAJE

9 March 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the recent sentences handed down in four separate cases, including three involving rape and one related to tampering with and/or damaging of essential infrastructure. Naidoo said in the first incident, a suspect was arrested on 10 December 2021, after DNA evidence linked him to two rape cases that were reported in Wolmaransstad. 

He further said in the first case reported on Sunday evening, 4 June 2017, the court heard evidence that a woman (27) was walking back from Extension 15 to Extension 10, when she was overpowered by two men. Naidoo added that the suspects robbed her of money, forced her to a nearby house and raped her.

“In the second case, reported on Sunday evening, 7 November 2018, a woman (21) went to a nearby shop when she was overpowered by two men who threatened her with a knife. She was taken to a nearby toilet, where she was raped.

“The accused, Letlhogonolo Luckyboy Modisapodi (30) was found guilty by the Wolmaransstad Regional Court and sentenced to two life imprisonments. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000,” he said.

Naidoo further said in a separate case, Buru Mopalami (29) was found guilty by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for the rape of a woman (27). He added that the court heard evidence that the victim was visiting a local tavern in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke, when the convict threatened her with a knife and forcibly took her to his house, where he raped her.

“Buru was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Control Act. In a third, unrelated incident reported in Phokeng during February 2025, George William Nkedi (54), a former employee of the Rustenburg Municipality’s infrastructure department, was found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment in terms of Section 271(1)(i) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 by the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court.

“This sentence follows after he was found in possession of suspected stolen copper cables belonging to the Rustenburg Local Municipality. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000,” said Naidoo.

He commended the investigating officers, prosecutors and all other role players for their collaborative efforts in securing these convictions and sentences.

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Six gang members nabbed for double murder

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By STAFF REPORTER

2 March 2026- Following violent confrontations between two apparent rival groups in Letlhabile, near Brits, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has deployed a dedicated Task Team to stabilise the area and investigate the recent incidents of gang-related violence. Naidoo said this decisive intervention resulted in the arrest of six suspects who appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 26 February 2026, on charges of murder.

He further said the arrests relate to an incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February 2026, at a tavern in Maboloka. Naidoo added that it is alleged that the six suspects believed to be members of the so-called “6-4 Gang”, attacked and assaulted two men, Tshiamo Mokomane (18) and Godfrey Pitsi (31).

“The victims sustained multiple injuries and were transported to a local clinic, where they were both certified dead. The accused, Phumelelo Fortunate Mokoena (21), Mpumelelo Thapelo Masilela (22), Koketso Tumanyane (20), Amogelang Mathimba (20), Vincent Ntsanko Chabalala (20) and Keabetse Phiri (20) — were remanded in custody until 24 March 2026.

“In addition to the murder charges, Keabetse Phiri is also facing a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), arising from a separate incident reported on the same night,” he said.

Meanwhile, Naidoo emphasised that the police will not tolerate any form of gang-related violence that threatens the safety and stability of communities. He said police have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to gang-related criminality in Letlhabile and surrounding areas and the deployment of the Task Team demonstrates police’s commitment to restoring calm and ensuring that those responsible for these senseless acts of violence are brought to book.

“We assure the community that police visibility will be intensified through high-density operations, stop-and-search actions, and intelligence-driven interventions. Lastly, we urge community members to work with law enforcement by providing information that can assist ongoing investigations.

“Investigations into related incidents are ongoing,” said Naidoo.

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869 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Suspected illegal firearm confiscated/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 February 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo reiterated that the police across the province will continue to squeeze the space for criminals in response to serious and violent crimes through Operation Shanela 2, which focuses on enhanced crime prevention and combatting criminal activities. Naidoo said consequent to operations conducted between 16 and 22 February 2026, a total of 869 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common assault, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, to driving under the influence of alcohol.

He further said 59 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Naidoo added that during the operations, 491 premises, 10 839 persons and 5 916 vehicles were searched.

“Moreover, the police working together with other law enforcement agencies confiscated alcohol, ammunition, cash, cellular phones, contraband goods, a variety of drugs, nine dangerous weapons, four handguns, four rifles, a shotgun, 13kg of copper cables, 12 kg of precious metals, tobacco products, vehicles and electrical equipment.

“On Monday night, 16 February 2026, information received was operationalised and a search warrant was executed at a residence in Arendskloof, Safari Tuine in Rustenburg. Two unlicensed firearms were found with numerous rounds of ammunition that the resident could not account for,” he said.

Naidoo said the accused, Barend Johannes De Lange (32) was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as the negligent handling of a firearm. He said De Lange briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2026, and was granted bail of R2 000.

“His case was postponed to 14 May 2026. In a second unrelated incident reported on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, information received led police to Vreesgewaagde Village, near Delareyville.

“The accused, Ezekiel Mosikimang Mongwegi (46) was arrested after a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, as well as ammunition, was found in his possession. He briefly appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 20 February 2026, for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence. His case was remanded in custody until 10 March 2026,” said Naidoo.

He said in a third unrelated incident reported in Bloemhof on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, a tuck shop was robbed in Boitumelong. Naidoo said an accused, Goitsemodimo Kenny Pitso (20) allegedly entered the tuck shop, pointed a firearm at the owner (32) and fired one shot in his direction.

“He then fled the scene without taking anything, no injuries were sustained. The community members who heard the gunshot immediately reported the incident to police, who responded swiftly. Members of Public Order Policing (POP), with the assistance of community members, traced Pitso to a nearby house where he was hiding.

“He was arrested and a 9mm firearm believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was found and confiscated. Further investigation revealed that the firearm, which belonged to a family member of Pitso, had been stolen by him. The owner of the firearm is also under investigation for the negligent handling of a firearm,” he said.

Naidoo said Pitso appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted business robbery, attempted murder and theft of a firearm on Friday, 20 February 2026. He said the case was remanded in custody until 11 March 2026.

“We welcome the results achieved. The police will remain resolute in their mission to decisively deal with serious and violent crime in the North West Province. Operation Shanela 2 demonstrates the police’s commitment to proactive policing, high-visibility operations and coordinated law enforcement efforts.

“We encouraged all law enforcement agencies to continue working tirelessly towards building safer communities and urged members of the public to cooperate with police by reporting criminal activities,” said Naidoo.

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North West Police Commissioner condemns Wesley Kgang’s alleged actions

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Picture: Wesley Kgang

By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 January 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo condemned the alleged attack on a traffic officer in the strongest possible terms. This comes after the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) at Matlosana Local Municipality and former ANCYL spokesperson, Wesley Kgang (36), who is out on R1000 bail, was nabbed for the alleged drunk and driving, resisting arrest, assault of a traffic official and malicious damage to property.

Kgang’s court appearance stems from an incident reported on 24 January 2026, at around 6:30am. It is alleged that traffic officials were busy with routine patrols, when they spotted a black sedan vehicle in Leask Street in Klerksdorp, driving in the wrong direction (facing oncoming traffic).

According to the police, the female traffic official stopped and approached the driver, who appeared to be under the influence of liquor. The police said furthermore, upon interviewing the driver and informing him of his arrest, he became aggressive and attacked the female official.

“Her colleagues intervened and the suspect’s resistance escalated until the police were called, who restrained him. During the confrontation, the female official sustained an injury on her left hand.

“Lastly, while on the way to a health facility to draw blood samples, Kgang allegedly hit and broke the window of the traffic vehicle, but a blood sample was ultimately taken from him,” he said.

Naidoo said Kgang made a brief appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 26 January 2026, and his matter was remanded until 18 February 2026, for further investigation. He urged all those who are entrusted with enforcing the law to be vigilant in the execution of their duties to avoid being injured when dealing with violent and aggressive suspects.

Meanwhile, Kgang who vehemently denied that he was behind the wheel, has since apologised for his actions.  

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Two bodies of girls retrieved from a river after drowning    

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Picture: Bodies retrieved from the bodies

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 January 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo appeals to parents, guardians and all members of the community who use dams, rivers, lakes, bridges and swimming pools for crossing and recreational purposes to exercise extreme caution. Naidoo said this warning follows an incident in which two teenage girls drowned in a river at Moshana village, in Motswedi.

“It is alleged that on 21 January 2026, at approximately 4:45pm, police were alerted to a drowning incident at the village. Upon arrival, police were informed that three girls and two boys went swimming in the river. After jumping into the water, two of the girls struggled to swim out.

“Furthermore, the two boys managed to rescue one girl and then went to the village to seek assistance. The police were subsequently notified and divers were called to the scene. On 22 January 2026, at around 10:15am, the bodies of the two girls aged 15 and 17 respectively, were retrieved from the river,” he said.

Naidoo further said an inquest docket was opened at the Motswedi Police Station. He added that members of the public should be extra vigilant and urged them to avoid using rivers as recreational facilities, particularly during the rainy season.

“We emphasize that many people underestimate the speed and force of moving water, which can cover large areas around rivers, and that attempting to swim in such conditions can result in immediate drowning,” said Naidoo.

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20 excavators, two delivery vehicles and two trucks confiscated during illegal mining operation

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Picture: 20 excavators, two delivery vehicles and two trucks confiscated during illegal mining operation/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 December 2025 – As part of clamping down on the illicit economy, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, led a multidisciplinary illegal mining operation on a farm in Kroondal, outside Rustenburg. The operation was executed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), District and Rustenburg Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence, Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Detectives, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and Glencore Mine officials. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said although the suspects fled into the bushes and evaded arrest, the police confiscated equipment used in illegal mining, which included 20 excavators, two light delivery vehicles and two trucks. Mokgwabone said investigations into the illegal mining activities in the area and others in the province are underway.

“Naidoo warned that the police, in collaboration with other role players, will act decisively against illegal mining to protect the legitimate economy and residents whose lives are affected by these unlawful acts,” he said.

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A boy sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for raping three boys

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 December 2025- The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed recent sentences handed down to rapists in the province between October and November 2025, as the province continues to deal decisively with sexual offenders. Naidoo said in one of the sentences, two life terms and additional 48 years imprisonment were handed down to Elias Thejane (39) by the Klerksdorp Sexual Offences Regional Court for raping three women in Kanana Township, near Orkney between December 2012 and October 2014.

He further said following a lengthy and extensive investigation by the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) unit, the convict was arrested on 9 October 2015. Naidoo added that despite being released on bail, he was re-arrested and sentenced on a separate case of burglary and two counts of rape.

“The crimes were committed in Bothaville in the Free State Province. In Vryburg, Jeffrey Dikgwatle (26 ) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court after raping a woman (24), who was on her way home after attending a party in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg on Saturday night, 6 July 2019.

“Dikgwatle overpowered the victim, threatened her with a knife and dragged her to his shack, where he ultimately raped her several times. In Mahikeng, a suspect (15), on 28 April 2024, raped two boys aged 10 and 9. They were playing in Top Village when he grabbed both boys, dragged them outside the village, tied them up and took turns on raping them at the Zeerust Bridge.

“A passerby appeared and the suspect fled, leaving two boys behind. They managed to untie themselves and reported the matter to their parents. In another separate incident reported on 25 September 2024, the same suspect raped a boy (11),” he said.

Naidoo said the victim’s mother noticed that her son was in pain. He said the victim confirmed that he was on his way to Golfview when the suspect met him on the road, took him to a nearby bridge, then assaulted, strangled and raped him.

“The boy, now 16 years-old, was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment by the Mmabatho Child Justice Court. Three more accused persons were sentenced to a combined 47 years imprisonment. The crimes were committed in Ikageng, Setlagole and Letlhabile between May 2015 and March 2025.

“It is worth noting that all the accused persons were declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. In addition, the courts instructed that their names be included in the National Register for sexual offenders,” said Naidoo.

He commended the investigating officers, prosecutors and all other role players for their collaborative efforts that led to securing of these sentences, which he said will send a strong message that sexual offences will not be tolerated. Naidoo said as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the South African Police (SAPS) in the province in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, continues with community outreach programmes, as well as  operations to ensure that those commit Gender Based Violence related offences are brought to book.

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North West High Court preservation order welcomed   

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 October 2025 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said he welcomes the preservation order granted by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng on 29 October. Naidoo said the order issued in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA),  1998 (Act No. 121 of 1998), preserves vehicles that were used as instruments of an offence listed in Schedule 1 of POCA.

He further said the preservation order follows incidents that occurred in Mmabatho on 11 September 2023. Naidoo added that after the establishment of a multidisciplinary team consisting of Provincial Organised Crime, Mmabatho Serious, Organised Crime and Provincial Crime Intelligence, the members conducted operations on identified targets around Mmabatho, Lomanyaneng and Mahikeng relating to drugs.

“The action led to the arrest of two Nigerian nationals during an undercover operation. From these operations, cash and two vehicles, a Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Vivo, which were allegedly used for trafficking of drugs, were seized.

“We welcome the preservation order and commend the Asset Forfeiture Unit, including the investigation team for their diligence in ensuring that criminals are deprived of the tools they use to commit crime. We further applaud the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), noting that such collaborative efforts are critical in dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting communities from the scourge of illegal drugs,” he said.

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SAPS to investigates a case of alleged abuse of a destitute man

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Picture: The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 August 2025- The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said he has instructed the Mahikeng Police Station Commander to contact both the SABC News and the North West Department of Social Development, to get information on the alleged robbery committed against the elderly man (77). Asaneng said he did this immediately upon seeing a video footage on the SABC News about a destitute man living in squalor in a village, outside Mahikeng.

He further said the South African Police Service (SAPS), which has a constitutional and legal duty to prevent, combat and investigate crimes, views this information in a very serious light and would want to immediately investigate the alleged abuse, harassment and attack of a vulnerable and defenceless old man so that those involved are identified and arrested. 

Asaneng added that the police are therefore, calling upon anyone who has information that could lead to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the culprits, to call the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or share information via MySAPS App.

“By remaining silent while knowing or being aware of this crime will only encourage those criminals to continue with their abhorrent deeds. Let us rise and work together to rid our communities of crime and criminals,” he said.

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Altercation between police officer and a civilian at Stilfontein Police Station probed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 August 2025 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said he has just become aware of a video clip that is circulating, apparently showing a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Stilfontein Police Station engaged in a verbal altercation with a member of the public. Asaneng is calling upon this individual who was at the police station to please come forward so that a formal investigation can be conducted to establish what led to the altercation.

“The exchange between this individual and a member of the police is unacceptable as it is expected of police officers and members of the public to work together and to respect one another. Therefore, it is important, if police community-relations are to be restored, that an investigation should be conducted to get to the veracity of this so that future incidents of this nature can be avoided,” he said.

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