Law enforcement in North West has ramped up its crime-fighting efforts, resulting in the arrest of 2,395 suspects in just two weeks as part of Operation Shanela 2, a campaign focused on violent offenders, wanted criminals, and various illegal activities across the province.
This extensive operation, aimed at reinforcing state authority, involved high-density raids, roadblocks, stop-and-search initiatives, and intelligence-based investigations carried out from 29 June to 12 July 2026. The initiative resulted in numerous arrests for serious offenses, including murder, rape, robbery, and drug-related crimes, with close to 1,000 wanted suspects located through forensic analysis and investigative efforts.
These results highlight the significant law enforcement actions currently taking place in North West as officials seek to combat violent crime and dismantle criminal networks.
During the two-week operation, a combination of law enforcement teams conducted stop-and-search efforts, vehicle checkpoints, visible patrols, foot patrols, and targeted operations for tracking down wanted individuals. Authorities also evaluated 931 liquor outlets and 44 second-hand goods businesses for potential illegal activities.
In total, officers examined 1,157 premises, 6,307 individuals, and 2,830 vehicles throughout the province during this operation.
Arrests included:
- 30 suspects for murder
- 45 for robbery
- 43 for rape
- 277 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- 133 for common assault
- 73 for burglary, both residential and commercial
- 10 for stock theft
- 86 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- 681 for violations of the Immigration Act
- 91 for illegal liquor trading
- 23 for drug dealing
- 270 for drug possession
A key achievement of Operation Shanela 2 was the apprehension of 918 wanted suspects, who were tracked down with the assistance of forensic DNA evidence and other investigative leads.
Colonel Adéle Myburgh, spokesperson for North West police, reported that officers seized a variety of illegal items during the operation, including drugs, tobacco, liquor, close to 12 kilograms of copper, knives, explosives, two firearms, one rifle, two vehicles, and a trailer.
The operation also brought to light several significant incidents across the province.
On 7 July in Nietverdiend, a man faced a fine for selling counterfeit cigarettes, with officers confiscating 1,000 packets during an inspection.
Another person was penalized for illicit petrol trading, with police seizing 145 litres of fuel.
In a separate case in Vryburg, three individuals were detained after allegedly attempting to sell two stolen cattle at the Vryburg Auction.
The rightful owner, a farmer from Kameelfontein, identified the cattle through their registered brand markings before they were returned.
The suspects, identified as cousins Keamogetse Nthebolang (25), Ontlametse Nthebolang (39), and Kagiso Nthebolang (27), appeared in the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court and were granted bail of R1,000 each, while Ontlametse remains in custody due to another stock theft charge. The case is scheduled for further proceedings on 20 July 2026.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr Ryno Naidoo commended the officers for their unwavering dedication to combating crime within the province.
Naidoo highlighted that Operation Shanela 2 has yielded positive outcomes and thanked the community for providing crucial information that has aided police in identifying suspects and preventing further criminal activities.
He emphasized that ongoing collaboration between residents and law enforcement is vital for fostering safe communities throughout North West.
