In an effort to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and address serious and violent crimes in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johnny Besnaar, led Operation Dinaledi from Thursday, 11 September 2025 to Sunday, 14 September 2025, in Kuruman and surrounding mining areas.
The high-density operation focused on removing illegal firearms and dangerous weapons, tracing of wanted suspects, conducting compliance inspections at formal and informal businesses, and engaging with communities across the district.
Simultaneous roadblocks were conducted on strategic routes leading to and from the targeted towns, with air support provided by the SAPS Airwing in Kimberley and the Free State.
A total of 219 vehicles were stopped and searched, resulting in fines amounting to R67 500.00 for road traffic violations, while 2 657 persons were searched.
At identified crime hotspots, police arrested 37 suspects for offences including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, sexual offences, rape, theft of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, drug-related crimes, driving under the influence, and contravention of immigration laws.
Police also confiscated alcoholic beverages, dangerous weapons, drugs, and a suspected stolen vehicle.
On Saturday, 13 September 2025, Major General Besnaar, accompanied by the Provincial Search and Rescue Unit with air support from the SAPS Airwing, conducted foot and aerial searches for missing 65-year-old Mr Boemo David Ditshetelo, who was last seen on 3 September 2025 in Maruping, Kutlwanong Section, Kuruman. The search for Mr Ditshetelo is ongoing.
#fightingcrime #PartnershipPolicing #GunsOffTheStreets
