By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The police in Northern Cape said the ongoing Operation Shanela, which is a high density operation, was executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said multi-disciplinary teams across the province jointly apprehended 266 criminals.
Ehlers said 100 out of 266 suspects were wanted for evading the police. She further said the suspects were wanted in connection with murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of firearms.
“Other arrests include possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH, burglary, and malicious damage to property.
“Roadblocks, vehicle check points, as well as high visibility patrols were executed, whereby 7 429 persons and 3 276 vehicles were stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were also conducted at second-hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, informal businesses, and liquor outlets,” said Ehlers.
She added that this resulted in the closure of four unlicensed liquor outlets. Ehlers said in an effort to promote rural safety, high visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas, where several farms and mines were visited.
“Disruptive actions resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons, and copper cable. Several awareness campaigns and community interactions were led in the province to address priority crimes.
“Police in Frances Baard District, visited areas such as Greenpoint, Pampierstad, Galeshewe, and Roodepan, were visited to promote mental health and child safety. The police in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, engaged with the communities in Tsineng and Kathu, where bullying was addressed at schools, as well as awareness pertaining to the prevention of robberies.
She said schools were visited in Rietfontein, which falls under the ZF Mgcawu District, in support of the Women Against Crime campaign.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola, expressed her gratitude towards all commanders, members and relevant stakeholders, who contributed towards the successes achieved, as well the communities for their cooperation.
Otola also encouraged all role players to continue with police actions and community interactions to ensure safer communities in the province.
“The Rate Our Service online survey can be used by scanning the QR code to comment on the services provided by the SAPS in the Northern Cape,” she said.
TaungDailyNews 