Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo. Photo supplied
WOLMARANSSTAD – Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, led Operation Shanela on the night of Friday, 13 February 2026, in response to growing concerns from the Wolmaransstad community about drug-related crime.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two foreign nationals, aged 29, for possession of suspected illegal substances, including dagga, crystal meth, and khat, with an estimated street value of R9 600.00. Cash believed to be linked to drug activities was also confiscated. The suspects, from Nigeria and Eswatini, were arrested in Wolmaransstad and Tswelelang Location. Notably, the Nigerian suspect was out on R1 000.00 bail for a similar offence at the time of his arrest.
During the operation, police also conducted stop-and-search procedures, resulting in the seizure of various dangerous weapons. Additionally, several liquor-licensed outlets in and around Wolmaransstad were inspected to ensure compliance with liquor licensing regulations. This led to the issuance of two non-compliance fines:
R2 000.00 to a 68-year-old woman in Tswelelang Location for selling liquor without a valid licence or permit.
R1 000.00 to a 68-year-old Nigerian man for failing to produce a certificate authorising the sale of second-hand goods.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Dr Ryno Naidoo expressed gratitude to the community, noting that the success of the operation was largely due to residents providing information to the police. “Community engagement is key in our fight against crime. This operation demonstrates what we can achieve when the police and the community work together,” he said.
Police have urged community members to continue reporting suspicious activities to help maintain safety and security in the area.
