Picture: A man arrested during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 252 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as illicit mining, undocumented immigrants, dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, a possession of counterfeit goods.
This also includes the possession of drugs, robberies, assaults, housebreaking and theft, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and other crimes during the multi-disciplinary high density, Operation Shanela.
The Northern Cape Police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, the Detectives also traced and arrested 111 daily wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, murder, rape, assaults and other crimes.
“Beverages, dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, and cash were confiscated during actions. Efforts were intensified at identified general dealers and wholesale outlets that resulted in the remarkable confiscation of illicit cigarettes, tobacco products and expired goods valued at almost R20 million.
“Also, the multi-disciplinary team executed 211 compliance inspections at tuck shops, liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers and scrap metal dealers. We will continue to stamp down the authority of the state during the weekly operations,” he said.
Shemane further said the disruptive actions focused on enhancing crime prevention and combating actions. He added that, these disruptive tactical intelligence-driven operations by several SAPS Units, District offices, and police stations include Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, Commercial Crime, Detectives, Firearms, Liquor And Second Hands Goods(FLASH), and Public Order Police, VISPOL in conjunction with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) Brand Ambassadors, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Social Development and Municipalities across all districts resulted in the execution of 1452 actions to address priority crimes in hotspot areas.
“Various actions in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies were executed and included, random stops and searches. 5792 persons were searched and 2545 vehicles were stopped and searched, high visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks. Farms and mines were also visited.
“An intelligence-driven operation in the Frances Baard District, led to the confiscation of contaminated fuel at depots valued at R1 000 000,” 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 and significant confiscations.
Otola said during the launch of the Safer Festive Season Operation in Upington on 17 November 2023, she renewed the commitment of the police and there will be more boots on the ground in an effort to fortify and ensure that, the community and their property will be safe and secure during the festive season and beyond.
The Guardian 