Copper theft suspects arrested after a vehicle search on the N12

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West Province continues to intensify the fight against crime through weekly high-density operations conducted across all districts.

During the latest operations, carried out from Monday, 2 March 2026 to Sunday, 8 March 2026, police members, supported by other law enforcement agencies, conducted roadblocks, stop-and-searches, vehicle checkpoints, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and patrols in crime hotspot areas.

The operations resulted in the arrest of 1 163 suspects for various offences, including possession of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of dangerous weapons, possession of illegal explosives and other serious crimes.

In addition, detectives arrested 391 suspects during tracing operations for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, house robbery, business robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), rape and other sexual offences.

Furthermore, 37…