Lentswe, Klerksdorp - As part of the ongoing 2025/2026 Safer Festive Season weekly high-density (Shanela 2) operations, police in the province have arrested 827 suspects for various crimes in the last week of November. The 827 include 398 known suspects by detectives during suspect raiding operations. These arrests took place between November 24 and 30.
According to Col Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson, the suspects included 16 arrested for dealing in drugs, 40 for illegal dealing in liquor, 150 for possession of drugs, 44 for rape, 9 for murder, 196 for assault common and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 26 for burglary at business and residential premises, and 59 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Moreover, 36 illegal immigrants were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.
Police confiscated a variety of items, including liquor, drugs, precious metals, tobacco products, ammunition and seven vehicles. As part of the actions executed during the operations, 403 premises, 3 251 persons and 3 773 vehicles were searched, and 79 unlicensed liquor premises were closed out of 702 liquor premises that were inspected.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said that the Safer Festive Season High Density Operations, which are coordinated, conducted, and commanded by District Commissioners and Senior Officers in the province, are gradually decreasing the high levels of crime.
He welcomed the commendable work done by all members in cooperation with other role players as this continues to keep the community safe during this period.
