Ten suspects nabbed for various crimes in Vryburg


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 May 2026 – Ten suspects were arrested for various crimes by the Vryburg K9, Visible Policing, Crime Prevention, Crime Intelligence and the Local Criminal Record Centre in Vryburg. This comes after the police received a tip-off relating to stolen property and drugs.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this resulted in a disruptive operation during which search warrants were executed. Myburgh said the first arrest was effected at approximately 11:20am in Vry Street.

“A suspect (23) was arrested for possession of drugs after police discovered substances believed to be nyaope in his possession. He was charged for possession of drugs. A second suspect (29) was arrested in Ferris Street, Colridge after tablets suspected to be mandrax were found in his possession. He was also charged for possession of drugs.

“In a separate incident, a vehicle was stopped in Kelebogile Segaecho Street. Upon approaching the vehicle, a suspect fled the scene. The police pursued and apprehended him. A suspect (41) was found in possession of numerous tablets suspected to be mandrax and was subsequently charged with dealing in drugs,” she said.

Myburgh further said the team then proceeded to Royden Street, where the first search warrant was executed. She added that electrical equipment, which the suspect could not account for, was confiscated.

“A suspect (36) was immediately arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property. Further investigation linked him to a burglary at a school premises reported on 28 April 2026.

“Lastly, six additional suspects aged between 19 and 35 were arrested during the early hours of Wednesday morning, 29 April 2026, in Voortrekker Street. This followed the execution of another search warrant, during which police discovered numerous cellular phones and a laptop, suspected to be stolen,” said Myburgh.

She said the preliminary investigations have positively linked the recovered items to three house robbery cases reported in Delareyville between 28 and 29 April 2026. Myburgh said all ten suspects are expected to appear before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 4 May 2026.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for their dedication and vigilance and said their conduct demonstrates the impact of intelligence-driven policing and the commitment of members to dismantle criminal networks. Naidoo emphasized that police will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those involved in crime are brought to justice to ensure the safety of the community.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

209 vehicles, 644 persons stopped and searched during cross-border operation


By OBAKENG MAJE

1 December 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape in partnership with law-enforcement counterparts in Botswana, conducted joint cross-border operations along the South Africa/Botswana borderline from 27 to 30 November 2025. The operation involved various SAPS units, including Operational Response Services, Organised Crime, Stock Theft Unit, Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Operational Command Centre and Border Policing in collaboration with the South African Border Management Authority.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the primary objective of the joint operation was to combat cross-border crimes impacting both countries such as stock-theft, human trafficking, drug trafficking and other transnational offences. Litabe said during the operation, 209 vehicles and 644 persons were stopped and searched.

“Two suspects were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and three traffic fines amounting to R2000 were issued. Operational activities further included the searching of premises in South Africa, borderline patrols and roadblocks. Compliance inspections were also conducted at tuck-shops, liquor outlets and farms.

“SAPS affirms that operations of this nature will continue throughout the festive season and beyond, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security along the border,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

94 undocumented suspects arrested for illegal gold-mining


By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 94 undocumented suspects were nabbed during a multi-disciplinary and crime intelligence driven, Operation Vala Umgodi that was conducted in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoortdam by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Special Task Force (STF), Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Airwing, Mounted Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), K9, Visible Policing, ER24 and Harmony Gold Mine security, pounced on 94 undocumented ‘illegal’ miners on 1 February 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested at a mountainous part of the farm, where illegal gold mining was reported to be taking place. Mokgwabone further said during the arrest, the team seized large quantities of gold-bearing material and 139 generators worth R1.3 million.

“Additionally, 24 grinders, 95 jackhammers, hammers, chisels, pick-axes, shovels, cutting torches, gas bottles, electric mills, phendukas and explosives were seized.

“The suspects who are mainly Zimbabwe and Mozambique foreign nationals, are expected to make a first appearance before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 5 February 2024,” he added.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the team for their commitment and cooperation that resulted in the arrests and seizures. Kwena said this will serve as a warning that, the police working with other stakeholders will leave no stone unturned in dealing with illicit mining.

taungdailynews@gmail.com