By Staff Writer
A total of 994 suspects were arrested across all five districts of the North West during a weeklong high-density Operation Shanela 2 law-enforcement blitz, police confirmed on Wednesday.
The arrests, made between 10 and 16 November, form part of intensified Safer Festive Season Operations aimed at addressing the rise in crime associated with increased holiday movement and social activity.
The Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said detectives made a significant contribution, arresting 366 wanted suspects from circulated lists. Police also detained 15 undocumented foreign nationals during the province-wide sweep.
The operation targeted key crime generators, including liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers. Myburgh said 151 licensed liquor premises were inspected, leading to 56 arrests for illegal alcohol trading, while large volumes of liquor were seized. A range of drugs, firearms, ammunition, vehicles, precious metals and tobacco products were also confiscated.
In the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, a joint operation involving the Anti-Gang Unit, Proactive Drug Operations and local CPF members led to the arrest of Silengene Tokwana (35) and Molefi Elliot Sakhachane (35) in Boikhutsong, Goedgevonden and Tshing. Police seized dagga and crystal meth worth an estimated R32,000. Both suspects appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday and were remanded to later dates.
A separate inter-provincial roadblock on the N12 between Potchefstroom and Fochville resulted in five arrests for Immigration Act contraventions, two drug-related arrests, the confiscation of 8kg of dagga, and nine traffic fines issued to motorists.
Meanwhile, in Bojanala Sub-District 2, police responded to a local hospital on Saturday where 45-year-old Dumile Patrick Mthunzana was found with multiple stab wounds. Investigations revealed he was fatally stabbed during an argument. Police arrested Phathilizwe Malongwane (46) shortly afterward. He appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was remanded to 27 November.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo has since commended officers and partner agencies for their coordinated efforts, saying the results reflected a strong foundation for a safer festive season in the North West.
News Junction (Gold Standard)