A total of 2 395 suspects were arrested across the North West during the latest phase of Operation Shanela 2, as police intensified efforts to combat crime and enforce the authority of the State.

The high-density multidisciplinary operation, conducted between June 29 and July 12, included stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects, and inspections of liquor outlets and second-hand goods premises.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, officers searched 1 157 premises, 6 307 people and 2 830 vehicles during the operation. Police also inspected 931 liquor outlets and 44 second-hand goods businesses.

“The weekly high-density Operation Shanela 2 continues to stamp the authority of the State, with multidisciplinary operations yielding significant results in the fight against crime across the province,” said Myburgh.

Among those arrested were 30 suspects for murder, 45 for robbery, 43 for rape, 277 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, 133 for common assault, 73 for burglary at business and residential premises, 10 for stock theft, 86 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 681 for contravening the Immigration Act, 91 for illegal dealing in liquor, 23 for dealing in drugs and 270 for possession of drugs.

Police said 918 of the arrested suspects were wanted individuals who were traced by detectives after being linked to crimes through forensic DNA and other investigative leads.

During the operation, police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products and liquor, nearly 12kg of copper, eight knives, explosives, two firearms, one rifle, two vehicles and a trailer.

In Nietverdiend, police confiscated 1 000 packets of counterfeit cigarettes after a man was fined for selling the illegal products. Another man was also fined for illegally dealing in petrol, with 145 litres of petrol seized.

In a separate incident in Vryburg, three suspects were arrested after allegedly attempting to sell two stolen cattle at the Vryburg Auction. The animals were positively identified by their rightful owner through their brand markings and were returned to the farmer.

The suspects, cousins Keamogetse Nthebolang (25), Ontlametse Nthebolang (39) and Kagiso Nthebolang (27), appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on July 13. Keamogetse and Kagiso were each granted R1 000 bail, while Ontlametse remained in custody due to another pending stock theft case. The matter was postponed to July 20 for further proceedings.

“Operation Shanela 2 continues to deliver tangible results in the fight against crime. We also appreciate the cooperation of communities, whose information and support remain critical in creating a safer environment for all residents of the province,” Myburgh said.