Picture: The suspects arrested during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 150 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, illicit mining, human trafficking, wild life act, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs as well as undocumented illegal immigrants.
The suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela, which commenced from 19 until 22 October 2023. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the focus was on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots.
“175 most wanted suspects were traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders. The police also confiscated a number of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non-ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“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,” he said.
Sam further said the 29 VCPs and nine roadblocks were conducted across the province and 61 premises were searched, 1301 vehicles and 2879 persons were stopped and searched. He added that the compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises.
“Mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola, commended the efforts of all involved and re-affirmed the importance of community involvement in fighting crime. Otola encouraged the community to continue playing its role on fighting crime.
The Guardian 