News / Africa
Operation Shanela II nets 778 suspects in North West crime crackdown
02 Sep 2026 at 20:57hrs |
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RUSTENBURG, South Africa — A total of 778 suspects were arrested in South Africa’s North West province during a week‑long multidisciplinary crime crackdown targeting serious and violent offences, wanted persons and illegal activities.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with government departments and other law‑enforcement agencies, conducted Operation Shanela II between 24 and 30 August 2026. The high‑density operation included roadblocks, stop‑and‑searches, vehicle control points, patrols and compliance inspections across identified crime hotspots.
Among those arrested were 10 murder suspects, six rape suspects, 90 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 70 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 34 for contravening the Immigration Act and 13 for illegal mining.
Police also traced and arrested 335 wanted suspects, including five wanted for murder, one for attempted murder, 35 for rape, one for other sexual offences, 93 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, two for business robbery and three for illegal possession of firearms. The remaining 195 were wanted for various other offences.
SAPS said officers searched 92 premises, 2 312 people and 1 937 vehicles during the operation. The crackdown also resulted in the seizure of nine firearms, 66 rounds of ammunition, 12.7kg of dagga, 143 dagga plants, various drugs, 1 577.67 litres of liquor, two vehicles and 10kg of platinum‑bearing material, among other items.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Arthur Adams commended officers and participating stakeholders for their coordinated efforts. He said the operation formed part of intensified police visibility and multidisciplinary interventions aimed at disrupting criminal activities across the province.
The suspects are expected to appear before various courts to face charges relating to the offences for which they were arrested.
This development contributes to wider regional discussions around cross‑border crime and high‑density policing.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with government departments and other law‑enforcement agencies, conducted Operation Shanela II between 24 and 30 August 2026. The high‑density operation included roadblocks, stop‑and‑searches, vehicle control points, patrols and compliance inspections across identified crime hotspots.
Among those arrested were 10 murder suspects, six rape suspects, 90 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 70 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 34 for contravening the Immigration Act and 13 for illegal mining.
Police also traced and arrested 335 wanted suspects, including five wanted for murder, one for attempted murder, 35 for rape, one for other sexual offences, 93 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, two for business robbery and three for illegal possession of firearms. The remaining 195 were wanted for various other offences.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Arthur Adams commended officers and participating stakeholders for their coordinated efforts. He said the operation formed part of intensified police visibility and multidisciplinary interventions aimed at disrupting criminal activities across the province.
The suspects are expected to appear before various courts to face charges relating to the offences for which they were arrested.
This development contributes to wider regional discussions around cross‑border crime and high‑density policing.
Source - Byo24news
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