In intensifying efforts against crime and enhancing public safety, the police in the North West Province, working with other law enforcement agencies, conducted high-density, intelligence-led, joint law enforcement operations under Operation Shanela 2 throughout the province between Monday, 04 and Sunday, 10 August 2025.
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 the closing of unlicensed liquor premises.
The operations resulted in a total of 1 105 arrests and recoveries of, among others, 284kg of copper cables, two firearms, 160 rounds of ammunition, drugs, liquor, and other contrabands such as cigarettes. The arrested suspects included 45 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, four for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 195 for possession of drugs, 38 for illegal dealing in liquor, 163 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common assault, 23 for murder and attempted murder, and 12 for burglaries at residential and business premises.
It is worth noting that the Vala Umgodi team in the Bojanala Platinum District, has in the same period, arrested a total of 37 undocumented immigrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho and Bangladesh in Witrandjie, Mogwase and Skeerpoort. Out of the 37 suspects, three are facing additional charges: one suspect is charged for possession of gold-bearing material and the other two are charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and unlawful possession of one round of rifle ammunition respectively.
In dealing effectively with illegal mining, the team seized numerous self-contraption machines known as phendukas as well as generators.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner of the North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng commended all District Commissioners, Officers and members for these very successful operations and reminded them that the safety and security of all law abiding citizens are dependent on their courageous, unrelenting and dedicated efforts to prevent, combat and investigate crime.
Kindly find attached photos taken during Operation Shanela 2 in Bojanala sub-district 2 (Rustenburg) as well as operation Vala Umgodi successes.
