Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
The integrated Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela II, conducted across the North West Province between 3 and 9 November 2025, resulted in the arrest of 1 426 suspects for various crimes. The operation, driven by intelligence and forensic leads, targeted high-impact criminal activities and contraventions of national legislation. Among those arrested, 412 were circulated wanted suspects positively linked to crimes through forensic DNA analysis. Charges included murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, burglary, assault, illegal drug dealing, possession of drugs, selling liquor without a license, driving under the influence, malicious damage to property, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
In addition to criminal arrests, 38 undocumented migrants were apprehended for contravening section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002. Law enforcement teams also seized illegal contraband including 33 rounds of ammunition, three vehicles, various drugs, and liquor. District-level operations yielded further results. In Ngaka Modiri Molema, a Crime Intelligence-led intervention by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Proactive Drug Operation, and Mahikeng K9 Unit led to the arrest of six suspects in Mmabatho and Mahikeng. Two were charged with aggravated robbery, while four were arrested for possession of crystal meth, khat, and mandrax, with an estimated street value of R11 400.
In Brits, a tuckshop raid in Phase 1, Oukasie Location resulted in the confiscation of alcohol and dagga. A case was registered for dealing in drugs, illegal liquor sales, and contravention of the Gambling Act, 2001. Environmental Health officials joined police in a follow-up raid where contaminated and expired foodstuffs were seized alongside alcohol, deep freezers, and gambling machines. The owner was arrested and charged accordingly.
Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, commended all role players for their relentless efforts to reduce crime and reinforce the authority of the State.
