Picture: Some of the money confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Nine people were arrested for robbery, possession of the suspected stolen property, riotous behaviour, dealing and possession of drugs as well as drug trafficking, at Breipaal and Bongani locations respectively. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela.

Sam said the operation was led by the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe in the Douglas Police Station precinct supported by the Siyancuma Local Municipality Mayor, Patrick McKlein, the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the Community in Blue Patrollers as well as the Department of Economic Affairs and the Liquor Board officials.

“Douglas as one of the top provincial priority stations, commenced with the multi-disciplinary high-density operation from 16 August until 20 August 2023 with emphasis on combating aggravated robberies, robberies at businesses and residential premises, preventing stolen property in transit as well as combatting drugs, human trafficking and tracing of wanted suspects executed.

“The stop and search, foot and blue light vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs, and other commodities smuggling searches. A roadblock was conducted at the Hopetown and Kimberley intersection where 70 vehicles and 196 persons were stopped and searched,” he said.

Sam further said 14 drivers were issued road traffic management fines to the value of R19 050 00 for driving without a driver’s license, unroadworthy vehicles, failure to display a license disc, operating a motorbike without a license, and driving with an expired license disk.

He added that six compliance inspections were executed at taverns and informal businesses.

“Two taverns were immediately shut down for non-compliance, numerous operational successes were achieved including seizures of drugs valued at approximately R 23 900, dangerous weapons and R27 418 00 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was confiscated,” said Sam.

The Siyancuma Local Municipality mayor, Patrick Mc Klein appreciated the efforts of the police in sweeping the streets of Douglas and committed to sustaining this working relationship, including his ward committees at sector crime forums.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, thanked all stakeholders involved for contributing to these successes and reaffirmed that the police will continue to stamp down its authority in ensuring a safe policing district.

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