Stolen copper
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West Province has made major strides in the fight against crime, arresting 945 suspects during the weekly Joint Law Enforcement high-density Operation Shanela 2 , across all five districts.
The large-scale operation coincides with the launch of the Safer Festive Season Operations in Jouberton, aimed at combating the surge in criminal activity typically associated with increased social and economic movement during the holiday period.
Out of the 945 suspects, 466 were arrested by Detectives after being identified on the province’s list of wanted suspects, while 54 were found to be illegal immigrants. The arrests covered a wide range of crimes, from theft and assault to possession of stolen property and contravention of immigration laws.
As part of the operations, law enforcement agencies conducted joint compliance inspections targeting known crime generators, focusing particularly on enforcing the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts. These efforts resulted in the closure of 25 unlicensed liquor outlets and the confiscation of large quantities of alcohol, drugs, firearms, ammunition, precious metals, tobacco products, and three laptops.
One of the major breakthroughs came in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, where Potchefstroom Crime Prevention members recovered illicit cigarettes worth approximately R3.3 million on Monday, 13 October 2025. Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted a truck on the N12 between Fochville and Potchefstroom, uncovering 250 master cases of illicit cigarettes.
The two occupants, Xolani Dladla (45) and Sanele Bele (27), were arrested and appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. They were remanded in custody pending their next court appearance on Tuesday, 22 October 2025.
In another successful operation, Rustenburg police arrested two suspects—Ejaz Hussain Shan (36) and Prince Nyamukondiwa (37)—for possession of suspected stolen copper cables valued at R65,000. The suspects were intercepted in a Toyota Hilux on the R24 on the evening of Tuesday, 14 October 2025, and appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 October 2025. They remain in custody pending a bail application on Thursday, 23 October 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General Ryno Naidoo, commended the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster for their collaboration and commitment.
“These results are a reflection of the dedication and teamwork within our law enforcement agencies. Together, we are ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of the North West Province,” said Major General Naidoo.
The police have reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations across the province as the festive season approaches, ensuring that communities remain safe and that criminal elements are rooted out.
