Picture: Some of the items confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 70 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Operation Shanela, which is a multi-disciplinary density operation remains intentional in stabilizing crime.
Sam said this was evident in the operational successes achieved during intensified operations across the province from 7 until 10 September 2023 with a sharp focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hotspots, which netted a multitude of successes.
“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling and tracing operations by detectives.
“The 28 VCPs and 7 roadblocks were held across the province during which 2855 vehicles and 4141 persons were stopped and searched. 374 compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses as well as mines,” he said.
Sam further said numerous operational successes were achieved and 78 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and illegal possession of firearms.
He added that, the police actions also resulted in the confiscation of alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons that could have had dire consequences if not policed.
“In the Namakwa District, police dug out drugs and discovered some stashed in vehicle tyres, which led to the arrest of the suspects,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola indicated that crime and violence place a heavy burden on the criminal justice system, health care system, and state expenditure.
“These operational successes limit the negative effects and the destructive impact of crime and therefore encourage the women and men in blue, communities as well as all stakeholders to keep on holding each other’s hand in ensuring a safe and secure Northern Cape,” she said.
The Guardian 