Major Northern Cape Crime Blitz: 55 Suspects Arrested, Including for Murder, as SAPS Clamps Down Ahead of Festive Season

Kimberley, Northern Cape – A large-scale, multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation in the Frances Baard District has led to the arrest of 55 wanted suspects for crimes including murder, attempted murder, and stock theft. The high-density operation, led by senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials on Friday, 26 September 2025, is part of a concerted effort to clamp down on priority crimes as the festive season approaches.

The operation was spearheaded by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Keagekae Besnaar, and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, underscoring its strategic importance.

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Widespread Arrests: From Murder to Domestic Violence

The operation’s significant success was the execution of tracing operations by detectives, which led to the apprehension of 55 individuals wanted on a range of serious charges. The arrests covered:

• Violent Crimes: Murder and Attempted Murder
• Property Crimes: Burglary and Theft
• Assault: Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (Assault GBH) and common assault
• Other Offences: Drug possession, stock theft, and contraventions of the Domestic Violence Act.

Multi-Agency Collaboration Yields Further Successes

The SAPS teams were bolstered by officials from the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, as well as traffic units from the Northern Cape Provincial Government and Sol Plaatje Municipality. This collaboration produced additional key results:

• Immigration Act Enforcement: 14 undocumented immigrants were arrested. One employer was fined R20,000 for unlawfully employing undocumented persons.
• Infrastructure Protection: One suspect was arrested for tampering with essential infrastructure, and 4kg of copper cables were seized.
• Drugs and Liquor: A quantity of dagga was confiscated and several unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down, with their stock seized.

Road Safety and Visibility: Hundreds of Vehicles Stopped

A visible police presence was established through numerous roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) on national and secondary roads. During these actions:

• 539 vehicles and 1,011 persons were stopped and searched.
• Safety pamphlets were distributed to motorists and pedestrians.
• A total of 89 traffic fines were issued, amounting to R59,400, for various contraventions of the Road Traffic Management Act.

READ: SAPS Operation Shanela II: Over 15,000 Arrested in Nationwide Police Crackdown |

A Promise of Sustained Action

Major General Keagekae Besnaar commended all participating law enforcement agencies and stakeholders. He reiterated the SAPS's commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements.

“We extended our appreciation to all who contributed to the successful execution of the operation,” stated Major General Besnaar. “The SAPS will continue to act decisively to combat contact crimes and clamp down on unregulated activities in the Frances Baard District as the Festive Season approaches.”

The operation signals a proactive approach by the SAPS in the Northern Cape to ensure heightened safety and security during the upcoming busy period.