Tag Archives: tracing of wanted suspects

Illicit cigarettes worth R7.5m confiscated

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth R7.5m confiscated/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 August 2025 – A multi-disciplinary Inter-Provincial Cross-Border Operation involving the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State was executed simultaneously from 19 to 21 August 2025. The focus areas included drug-related offences, the proliferation of firearms, illicit mining, tracing of wanted suspects, and combating contact crimes.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the operation delivered significant results with 116 suspects arrested across the Frances Baard, Namakwa and Pixley Ka Seme Districts. Kock said numerous liquor outlets were inspected for compliance, while several unlicensed premises were closed.

“High-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks saw 319 vehicles and 8 345 persons stopped and searched across the province.  Several wanted suspects were among those arrested.

“One of the most notable successes occurred in Colesberg on 20 August 2025, when SAPS members, supported by SARS Customs and SAPS Crime Intelligence, confiscated illicit cigarettes and a truck collectively valued at approximately R7.5 million,” he said.

Kock said in a separate incident, the police at the Colesberg weighbridge, discovered suspected stolen goods, including perfumes, counterfeit clothing and cell phones with erased serial numbers worth approximately R50 000 on 21Augiust 2025. He further said a suspect was arrested and the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, a maroon VW Polo, was seized.

“During the course of the operation, police also confiscated counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, firearms and ammunition, alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash,” added Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all four provinces, relevant departments and law enforcement agencies for their coordinated efforts. Otola extended her gratitude to Community Police Forums (CPFs) and the public for their continued support in the fight against crime.

“The collective efforts of law enforcement and our communities remain key in curbing and eradicating criminal activities across our provinces,” she said.

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SAPS urges communities in Klerksdorp not to harbour illegal miners  

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Picture: Illegal miners arrested/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 April 2025- The police in the North West working with other law enforcement agencies, conducted the weekly high density intelligence led joint law enforcement operations throughout the province between 21 and 27 April 2025. The police said the operations covered all the province’s districts and included the setting of roadblocks on all the national and provincial arterial roads, tracing of wanted suspects, stop and searches and compliance inspections at liquor selling outlets and closing of unlicensed liquor premises.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said operations, which were conducted under the Operation Shanela resulted in the arrest of 667 suspects and recoveries, of among others, 12 rounds of ammunition, drugs, three shotguns, 57 cell phones, liquor and other contraband such as cigarettes.

Mokgwabone said out of 667 suspects, 35 were nabbed for driving under influence of alcohol or drugs seven for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 56 for possession of drugs, 17 for illegal dealing in liquor, 69 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 41 for common assault, five for murder and 14 for burglaries at residential and business premises.

“The Anti-Gang Unit arrested three Lesotho foreign nationals on Friday morning, 25 April 2025, after being found in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

“The accused, Rethabile Johannes Ntoyi (39), was arrested for illegal possession of a Norinco firearm with eight rounds of ammunition. The other two accused, Seronthe Thipe (30) and Thabo Mphinyame (40), were found to be in possession of an unlicensed revolver, four rounds of ammunition and a spent 9mm cartridge,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said all three accused briefly appeared in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 29 April 2025. He added that, they were all remanded in custody until 9 May 2025, for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, is once again calling upon the communities in the Matlosana Municipality, including Community Policing Forums (CPF) and ward councillors, not to harbour illegal foreigners who are in the main involved is serious violent crimes such as murders, robberies and damage of essential infrastructure.

“These suspects are often arrested in possession of illegal firearms, including automatic rifles smuggled into area and which are not traceable due to them not being in the Central Registry database,” said Asaneng. 

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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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