Picture: One of the suspects arrested during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela, remains steadfast in its quest to squeeze crime in all hot spot areas throughout the province. Shemane said the disruptive actions commenced on 26 until 29 October 2023.
“The police and other law enforcement agencies executed various actions that included random stop and searches of persons and vehicles, high visibility patrols, vehicle check points, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second hand goods dealers and scrapyards, compliance inspections at firearm dealers and visits to spaza shops.
“During the operations, 212 suspects were arrested for an assortment of crimes such as dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of drugs, robbery, assaults, housebreaking and theft, malicious damage to property, assault GBH driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the detention of illegal immigrants,” he said.
Shemane further said, the detectives traced and arrested 208 daily wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, house robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of a firearm.
He added that alcoholic beverages, dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, cash and vehicles were confiscated.
“Efforts were intensified at tuck shops, where compliance inspections were conducted to remove and destroy expired items. The police were deployed throughout the province to police fan parks hosting the screening of the Rugby World Cup final during which no serious incidents were reported,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies that led to the arrest of suspects ensuring that communities are safe. Otola also appreciated the efforts of the police, external role players and the community for their relentless efforts in ensuring a safe and peaceful festive season.
The Guardian 