North West Police Nab 994 Suspects in Operation Shanela II Crackdown Ahead of Festive Season Safety Push
Mahikeng – Law enforcement in North West province has struck a major blow against crime, arresting 994 suspects during the weekly Joint Law Enforcement Operation Shanela II from Monday, 10 November 2025, to Sunday, 16 November 2025. The high-density sweeps, carried out across all five districts, form a solid base for the upcoming Safer Festive Season Operations, which aim to tackle the spike in criminal activity during the holidays when more people are on the move and social gatherings increase. Police say this haul shows their commitment to keeping communities safe as the year winds down.
Among the arrests, 366 came from detectives tracking down wanted individuals, while 15 undocumented foreign nationals were taken into custody. The operations also zeroed in on spots that breed crime, like illegal liquor spots and second-hand goods dealers, leading to big confiscations of drugs, guns, and other illicit items.
Sweeping Arrests Build Momentum for Holiday Security
The province-wide effort involved teams from various units working together to hit crime hard. Out of the total arrests, many targeted serious offenders on circulated wanted lists, showing how intelligence-led policing is paying off. The focus on immigration checks netted the 15 undocumented people, part of broader efforts to curb cross-border crime.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo praised the teamwork: “I commend all law-enforcement agencies for working together in enhancing safety and security across the province.” He noted that these actions lay the groundwork for a safer festive period, when risks rise due to more travel and events.
Crackdowns on Crime Hotspots Yield Big Hauls
A key part of Shanela II was checking places that fuel illegal activity, like liquor outlets and second-hand goods shops, to enforce laws under the Liquor Act and Second-Hand Goods Act. Officers inspected 151 licensed liquor spots, leading to 56 arrests for illegal trading and the seizure of large amounts of alcohol.
Beyond that, the raids turned up a range of contraband: various drugs, firearms, ammunition, vehicles, precious metals, and tobacco products. These finds disrupt criminal networks and cut off their resources, helping to lower overall crime in the long run.
Spotlight on Key Incidents and Arrests
Several standout operations showed the impact of the week’s work. In Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Proactive Drug Operations, Ventersdorp Crime Prevention, and Community Police Forum members raided Boikhutsong and Goedgevonden villages, plus Tshing location in Ventersdorp, on Friday, 14 November 2025.
They arrested Silengene Tokwana (35) and Molefi Elliot Sakhachane (35) for dealing in drugs and possessing illegal substances. Police seized dagga and crystal meth worth about R32,000 on the street. The pair appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 November 2025, and were kept in custody until their next dates on 20 and 24 November 2025.
In another win, a multi-agency roadblock on the N12 between Potchefstroom and Fochville on Friday, 14 November 2025, led to five arrests for breaking immigration laws under Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. Two more were nabbed for drug crimes after 8kg of dagga was found. Officers also handed out nine traffic fines to drivers.
In Bojanala Sub-District 2, Rustenburg police rushed to a local hospital on Saturday, 15 November 2025, after a man arrived with multiple stab wounds. Investigations showed Dumile Patrick Mthunzana (45) was killed during a fight. Officers quickly tracked and arrested Phathilizwe Malongwane (46), who appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, facing murder charges. He was remanded until Thursday, 27 November 2025.
These cases show how the operation targeted everything from drugs and illegal trade to violent crimes, making a real dent in local threats.
Preparing for a Safer Festive Season
With the holidays approaching, Shanela II’s success sets the stage for ramped-up festive operations. Police expect more people travelling and gathering, which can lead to higher risks of theft, assaults, and road accidents. By nabbing suspects now, authorities aim to clear threats early and free up resources for patrols and checkpoints.
Naidoo urged communities to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity, saying partnerships with locals are key to lasting safety. The province has also boosted visible policing in hotspots, using data from operations like this to guide deployments.
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