Makwassie, Lebaleng - The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, led Operation Shanela on Friday night, 13 February 2026, in response to concerns raised by Wolmaransstad community members regarding drug-related activities and crime in the area
The operation resulted in the arrest of two foreign national males for possession of suspected illegal substances, including dagga, crystal meth, and khat, with an estimated street value of R9 600.00, as well as the confiscation of cash
The 29-year-old suspects, who are from Nigeria and Swaziland respectively, were arrested in Wolmaransstad and Tswelelang Location. The Nigerian suspect was out on R1 000.00 bail for a similar offence at the time of his arrest
In a separate incident, a 36-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol
Two non-compliance fines were also issued:
• A R2 000.00 fine to a 68-year-old woman for selling liquor without a valid licence or permit at
Tswelelang Location
• A R1 000.00 fine to a 68-year-old Nigerian man for failing to produce a certificate authorising the sale of second-hand goods
During stop-and-search operations, dangerous weapons were seized. Various licensed liquor outlets in and around Wolmaransstad were also inspected to verify compliance with liquor licensing regulations
The operation was successfully conducted by members from various units
Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo commended the community for providing valuable information that led to the success of the operation
He appreciated the courage and cooperation of community members who continue to work closely with the police
He emphasized that crime can only be effectively addressed, when communities and law enforcement stand united
“Operations such as Shanela will continue to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to book, and to restore a sense of safety in our communities,” said Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo
During the operations, police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products, and liquor, as well as eight firearms, two vehicles and 21 rounds of ammunition
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, led a second Operation Shanela on Saturday night, 14 February 2026, in Wolmaransstad following concerns raised by community members regarding drug-related activities and crime
The operational team comprised members from the North West Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH) Unit, Ani-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP), Crime Intelligence, and the North West Provincial Tracking Team
Members conducted stop-and-search operations and inspected various liquor outlets in and around Wolmaransstad and Makwassie
In Wolmaransstad five men between the ages of 23 and 32 were arrested for possession of suspected illegal substances, including Mandrax and Crystal Meth, with an estimated street value of approximately R14 000.00
The team then proceeded to Makwassie, where a 23-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of suspected illegal substances. Mandrax and Crystal Meth with an estimated street value of R8000 were confiscated
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Updated: February 2026
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