Operation Shanela 2 actions resulted in the arrest of 1 509 suspects for various offences across the North West Province

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the authority of the State, weekly high-density, multidisciplinary #OperationShanela 2 actions conducted between Monday, 31 August 2026, and Sunday, 13 September 2026, resulted in the arrest of 1 509 suspects for various offences across the province.

The multidisciplinary operations focused on stop-and-search actions, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), high-visibility patrols, including foot patrols, and the tracing of wanted suspects. Police also conducted inspections at 179 liquor outlets and 70 second-hand goods premises.

Furthermore, a total of 171 premises, 2 756 persons and 1 324 vehicles were searched.

The arrested suspects included:

41 for murder
18 for robbery
81 for rape
492 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH)
95 for common assault
61 for burglary at business and residential premises
117 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
125 for contravention of the Immigration Act
38 for illegal dealing in liquor
16 for dealing in drugs
262 for possession of drugs

Of the 1 509 suspects arrested, 870 were circulated wanted suspects who were traced and apprehended by detectives after being linked to crimes through forensic DNA and other investigative leads.

During the operations, police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products and liquor, as well as 468 kg of copper, explosives, nine handguns, two rifles, one shotgun, one homemade firearm and four vehicles, to mention a few.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended members for their relentless efforts. He emphasized that Operation Shanela 2 continues to deliver tangible results in the fight against crime and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of communities, whose information and support remain critical to creating a safer environment for all residents of the province.

#FightingCrime #PartnershipPolicing #PoliceVisibility #SaferCommunities