-Staff Writer / Sun, 14 Dec 2025
Police in the North West have seized a cache of explosives and arrested three suspects during a festive season roadblock on the N12 between Stilfontein and Klerksdorp which are both illegal Zama zamas ridden towns in Matlosana Local Municipality.
Police spokesperson Thuto Bobelo said the discovery was made on Friday, 12 December 2025, when members of the Stilfontein SAPS were conducting Operation Shanela 2 as part of the Safer Festive Season campaign.
According to Bobelo, officers stopped a motor vehicle at a routine roadblock and, upon searching it, discovered six bags containing explosives and explosive accessories hidden inside the vehicle.
Three male suspects, aged between 41 and 48, were immediately arrested and charged with possession of explosives in terms of Section 28(1) of the Explosives Act, 26 of 1956.
A police bomb technician was summoned to the scene and safely packaged and sealed the explosives. The seizure included an estimated 150 shocktube detonator assemblies, close to 40 electric shocktube initiators and five blasting cartridges.
The trio are expected to make their first court appearance on Monday, 15 December 2025, at the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court.
Acting North West Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the vigilance of the police members involved and reiterated that SAPS will continue to intensify operations to ensure a safer festive season.
News Junction (Gold Standard)