932 SUSPECTS ARRESTED, ONE WEEK
North West – A total of 932 suspects were arrested during a high-impact week of crime prevention and enforcement efforts under the banner of Operation Shanela. The operation ran from Monday, 17 March to Sunday, 23 March 2025, and was spearheaded by various law enforcement agencies working together across the province.
Captain Mpho Manyoba reported that the week’s successes followed the execution of no fewer than 5,562 actions. These included vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, as well as compliance inspections at scrapyards, second-hand dealers, recyclers, private security firms, firearm dealers, and both formal and informal businesses, farms and mines. The intensive approach was designed to tackle crime head-on while reinforcing police visibility.
During the roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints conducted throughout the province, 1,499 vehicles and 1,994 individuals were stopped and searched. These proactive measures led to the arrest of 117 individuals for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, common assault, and car hijacking. Seven suspects were arrested for murder and attempted murder, with others facing charges ranging from rape and robbery to burglary, contravention of the Immigration Act, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession and dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illicit mining, and illegal liquor trading.
As part of the province’s effort to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms, police confiscated five firearms, including four handguns and one rifle. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal possession of these weapons and ammunition. A wide range of other illegal items were also seized during the operation, including various drugs, liquor, dangerous weapons, 13.5 kilograms of copper, two cellular phones, two vehicles, and illicit tobacco products.
Major general Patrick Asaneng, acting provincial commissioner of North West, commended the efforts of all the officers and supporting agencies involved in the operation.
