Multi-disciplinary high-density Operation Shanela, remains steadfast and intentional in stabilizing crime.
The intensified police operations commenced on Thursday, 18 January 2024 until Sunday, 21 January 2024 with a specific focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspot areas which ensured a multitude of successes.
Actions and police activities executed during the operations included, vehicle checkpoints (VCP’s), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling and tracing operations by detectives.
Vehicle checkpoints and several roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2197 vehicles and 6171 persons were stopped and searched.
Police actions executed included compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses, mines as well as farms.
More than 300 suspects were apprehended and arrested for an array of crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property dealing and possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, illegal dealing in liquor, contravention of the Immigration Act as well as contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act.
Among the 309 total arrests, 154 were wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for numerous offences. The suspects were arrested during tracing operations by detectives across the province during the period 12 to 18 January 2024.
Police actions also resulted in the confiscation large volumes of alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons at illegal shebeens and other hot spot crime areas.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Otola reiterated that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that together we squeeze the space for criminals to operate.
General Otola encouraged the women and men in blue, communities as well as all external stakeholders to join hands and ensure a safe and secure Northern Cape Province.
