Picture: The police attending a crime scene/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 70 suspects were arrested for various crimes across the Northern Cape during a multi-disciplinary operation dubbed Operation Shanela. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police will continue to remain focused on stabilising the crime situation in all hotspot areas in the province.

“Disruptive actions in crime in hotspot areas across the province commenced on 24 until 27 August 2023. Actions and police activities executed during the operations include vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, and tracing operations by detectives.

“Thirty-two VCPs and 15 roadblocks were conducted during which 3 457 vehicles were stopped and 7 438 persons searched. 666 compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses as well as mines,” he said.

Shemane further said 70 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, dealing and possession of drugs, stock theft, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, and possession of precious metals.

He added that 85 wanted suspects were traced and arrested for various crimes specifically focusing on contact crimes.

“The police seized drugs, alcoholic beverages, dangerous weapons, and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola indicated that operations will continue to remain intentional in addressing all crimes in the province. Otola also commended the police for their relentless efforts in the continued collective fight against crime.

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