11 May 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said he has noted with appreciation the successful rescue of two monkeys that were allegedly being illegally traded at an auction in Vryburg on Friday morning. Naidoo said according to information received, a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer and farmers attending the auction alerted authorities after discovering that a couple were attempting to sell two tied-up monkeys at a local auction yard.
He further said understanding the urgency of the matter, police were called for assistance. Naidoo added that Warrant Officer Willem Erasmus of the Vryburg K9 Unit responded swiftly to the complaint, proceeded to the scene.
“Erasmus worked together with the wildlife volunteer to secure the animals and apprehend the suspects. The suspects were subsequently fined for the illegal possession and attempted sale of indigenous wildlife.
“The rescued monkeys were placed in safe care pending their transfer to the relevant Nature Conservation authorities at a registered rehabilitation centre,” he said.
Naidoo commended both the community member and the police officer for their decisive actions. He emphasised that this incident demonstrates the importance of collaboration between communities, conservation stakeholders and law enforcement agencies in protecting our wildlife heritage.
“The swift response by Erasmus and the vigilance shown by the wildlife volunteer are highly commendable and that the police remain committed to enforcing laws aimed at protecting indigenous wildlife and urges members of the public to report all forms of wildlife crimes.
“Lastly, he encouraged communities to continue working closely with law enforcement authorities to combat environmental and wildlife-related crimes,” said Naidoo.
Picture: Illegal immigrates nabbed during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
April 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo led Operation Shanela II on 24 April 2026, in response to concerns raised by Potchefstroom community members regarding numerous crimes reported in Walter Sisulu Street, within a section of the CBD known as the Wandelaan. The operation resulted in the arrest of 29 illegal immigrants (both males and females), various licensed liquor outlets in and around Potchefstroom were also inspected to verify compliance with liquor licensing regulations, stop and search were conducted around the taxi rank for drugs and unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Naidoo said the operation was successfully conducted by members from various units, including the North West Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP) and Provincial Communications. He further commended the community for providing valuable information that led to the success of the operation.
“Furthermore, we appreciate the courage and cooperation of community members who continue to work closely with the police. We would like to emphasise that crime can only be effectively addressed when communities and law enforcement stand united.
“Operations such as Shanela will continue to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to book and to restore a sense of safety in our communities,” added Naidoo.
13 April 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the recent sentences handed down in five separate cases, including four involving rape and one related to the murder of a girl (3). Naidoo said in the first sentence handed down on 1 April 2026, Moses Madini Twala was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 10 years imprisonment for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) by the Lichtenburg Regional Court.
He further said Twala was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Naidoo added that information presented before court indicated that on 22 November 2022, Twala was home at Boikhutso, whilst his girlfriend went to a nearby tuck shop.
“On arrival, an argument ensued between them because he did not believe her when she explained her whereabouts. He then became aggressive and assaulted his girlfriend in front of the children, who started crying and screaming as their mother started to bleed due to the assault. He then hit the youngest child (3), who lost consciousness.
“Twala then took the child to the bathroom and drowned her in the bath tub. After the ordeal, the child was taken to a nearby clinic, where she was declared dead on arrival. This matter was not reported to the police. Two days later one of the traumatised, elder siblings, who witnessed the assault and murder, reported the incident to the police,” he said.
Naidoo said after meticulous investigations done by Constable Tshepang Motone of the Lichtenburg Detectives, supported by the state advocate, Ntebaleng Mabale, Twala was arrested, found guilty and sentenced. He said the second unrelated sentence was handed down on 7 April 2026, after the court heard evidence that in the early hours of the morning on 30 September 2024, a victim (16) was walking home with a friend in Lethabong.
“They were approached from behind by Bongani Piet Maloka (30), who became aggressive and threatened the teenage girls with a knife. He chased the one girl away and forcefully took the other with him to a shack, where she was instructed to climb through the window in order to gain access.
“Maloka followed her inside the shack and ultimately raped her. After Maloka fell asleep, the victim fled from the scene and reported the incident. Maloka was sentenced by the Bafokeng Regional Court to 18 years imprisonment for rape and five years for kidnapping. These sentences will run concurrently,” said Naidoo.
He said Maloka was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and he was declared undesirable to work with children. Naidoo said Sergeant Balungile Makaya of Mogwase Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, supported by a prosecutor, worked hard to ensure this success.
“A third and fourth sentence was handed down on 8 April 2026, by the Ganyesa Regional Court, where Johannes Nasky Maruping (37) was sentenced to 15 years and life imprisonment in two separate rape cases reported in Morokweng.
“The sentences will run concurrently, Maruping was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders. In the first case reported in the evening of Saturday, 4 June 2022, a victim (19) was walking with her sister along the Morokweng main road, when they were approached by four men walking behind them,” he said.
Naidoo said the sisters started to run away, but Maruping, who had a knife, caught one of the sisters and threatened her with a knife. He said Maruping forcefully took her to his residence and raped her.
“In the second case, a grandmother reported that her daughter (15) came home early on Sunday morning, 7 August 2022, and reported that she was raped by a man in Gamokgopa Section in Morokweng, whilst being threatened with a knife.
“Meticulous investigations by Constable Teko Daniel Montwedi of the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit, supported by state prosecutor, Seapei Molope, led to this success,” said Naidoo.
He said the last sentence was handed down on 10 April by the Bafokeng Regional Court. Naidoo said the court heard evidence that an accused (52), raped his girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter after she was sent to his residence in Luka Village in Phokeng on Saturday afternoon, 24 August 2022 to collect containers.
“The accused misled the victim, who was previously raped, that he will restore her virginity by sleeping with her. After reporting this to her mother, the man was arrested on 28 August 2022 and appeared before court and was later granted bail.
“A warrant of arrest was issued after he absconded bail during September 2023.He was re-arrested a few months later in Nanahadi, Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State on 5 November 2025, by a team consisting of Rustenburg FCS and members of Phuthaditjhaba Police Station. A convict was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment after the state argued that the accused caused secondary trauma to the victim by raping her again and by abusing the trust he had as a step-father,” he said.
Naidoo said furthermore, he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and he was declared undesirable to work with children. He said the Investigating Officer was Warrant Officer Phenyo Cynthia Monchusi of Head Office SECI Unit and the prosecutor, advocate Zola Mpayipheli.
“We commend the investigating officers, prosecutors and all other role players for their collaborative efforts in securing these convictions and sentences. We would also like to motivate community members to not stay silent when Gender Based Violence (GBV) is committed, as this protects the abuser, not the victim,” said Naidoo.
8 April 2026 – Following the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), directed that government intensify its fight against organised crime and strengthen cooperation between the security cluster departments and the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to form part of a broader national effort to confront organised criminal networks, deal with crime, stabilise affected communities and restore public confidence in law enforcement, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Matlhapi Deborah Mmolawa, invites members of the media to attend the Launch of Operation Prosper at the SAPS Academy’s Boardroom in Mogwase Unit 5, in Mankwe on Thursday at 8am.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Guardian 