Three suspects were arrested during separate crime prevention and rural safety operations conducted by members in the Joe Gqabi District on Thursday, 15 October 2026. The operations focused on combating drug related crime, addressing stock theft and strengthening police visibility to ensure the safety and security of communities.
Members attached to Tlokoeng SAPS conducted Operation Shanela II and during the operation, police visited five liquor outlets, two schools, five ATMs, two central business district areas, a playground, two churches and a clinic. Members also conducted stop and search, vehicle checkpoint operations, sector patrols, route patrols along the R56 and crime prevention initiatives. As a result of the operation, one male suspect was arrested for possession of drugs. Suspected tik sachets were confiscated, and the case remains under investigation. The suspect will appear before Mount Fletcher Magistrate’s Court Friday, 16 October 2026.
In a separate operation conducted on the same day, police carried out a Rural Safety Operation in the Ekhephini area. The operation aimed to prevent and reduce stock theft, increase police visibility in farming communities and strengthen rural safety. Police activities included crime prevention patrols, vehicle patrols, stop and search operations, farm visits and responding to complaints. The operation covered farming areas in Cullenswood, Bottleneck and Langkloof.
During the operation, two farmworkers were arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of meat from a sheep belonging to a local farmer, which they allegedly slaughtered. The two suspects were detained at Barkly East SAPS for further investigation. They will appear before Barkly Magistrate’s Court soon.