-Staff Writer / 1, Mon Dec 2025
A total of 827 suspects have been nabbed across the North West as part of the ongoing 2025/2026 Safer Festive Season high-density Shanela 2 operations.
According to the provincial police spokesperson police spokesperson Colonel (Col) Adéle Myburgh, the arrests were made between Monday, 24 November and Sunday, 30 November 2025.
The operation targeted priority crimes, with detectives also tracing and arresting 398 known suspects during suspect-raiding activities.
The arrests include:
16 for dealing in drugs
40 for illegal dealing in liquor
150 for possession of drugs
44 for rape
9 for murder
196 for assault common and assault GBH
26 for business and residential burglaries
59 for driving under the influence
36 illegal immigrants for contravening the Immigration Act
Police also confiscated liquor, drugs, precious metals, tobacco products, 35 rounds of ammunition, and seven vehicles.
“As part of the week-long enforcement, officers searched 403 premises, 3 251 people and 3 773 vehicles. A total of 702 liquor outlets were inspected, leading to 79 unlicensed premises being shut down,” Myburgh said.
Meanwhile, the Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, praised the coordinated work led by District Commissioners and senior officers, saying the intensified operations are helping to curb crime as the festive season approaches.
He commended police members and partner agencies for “keeping the community safe during this period.”
News Junction (Gold Standard)