Tag Archives: theft

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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More than 17 suspects arrested for evading courts

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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.

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20 wanted suspects arrested by the police

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Picture: The police in Northern Cape arrested 20 wanted suspects/Google

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 February 2025- More than 20 wanted suspects were arrested by the police during a wanted suspects tracing operation on 6 February 2025. It is alleged that, the suspects have been on the run from the police for various offences such as assault GBH, theft, assault common and theft out of a motor vehicle were arrested.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said suspects have been evading court appearances and court orders. Sam said all suspects were arrested at their respective residences in Roodepan and briefly appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 7 February 2025.

“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,” he said.

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Police urge learners, teachers and parents to implement safety hints

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Picture: The school patrollers during school/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape police said they aim to ensure the protection of all learners from violence, exposure to dangerous weapons and threats, theft, bullying and harassment, the sale or use of illegal substances on school grounds and other emergencies during the 2025 school year.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said they urge learners, teachers and parents to implement safety tips to ensure their safety. Sam said learners should stay alert – walk attentively, should not use electronic devices or earphones while walking to and from school.

“Only walk on the pavement and cross walks, look both ways before you cross a road. Check your crossing distance from the school transport, if you are crossing infront of it. Make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle when crossing a street.

“It is advisable to always go to the bathroom with a buddy. Never accept lifts from strangers and trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong, report it. If you are a victim- get help immediately,” he said.

Sam further said learners should make as much noise as they can to alert teachers and other learners when they are in trouble. He added that they should not physically intervene in fights – they could get hurt, rather inform the teacher or school security.

“Always have an emergency contact with you. Report school bullying and any criminality to your teacher, principal and parents. School transport drivers should stop and yield for pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk or intersection.

“Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Slow down and be attentive around school zones. Stay off cell phones, while driving around school zones. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard,” said Sam.

He said drivers should also watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars. Sam said they should make eye contact with pedestrians, who are crossing the street.

“Parents should teach their children the proper way to get on and off the school transport. Always remind your child to walk on the pavement or walk facing oncoming traffic in the absence of a pavement.

“Ensure that your child is buckled up when transported to school. Have regular conversations with your child about school safety, driving practices, and road traffic laws to ensure they understand the rules of the road,” he said.

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A rapist sentenced to 11 life terms and 363 years imprisonment for committing slew of rapes

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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.

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