By REGINALD KANYANE
9 December 2024- More than 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles were stopped and searched during the Northern Cape SAPS multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela. The disruptive actions across the province commenced on 2 until 8 December 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Segio Kock said the police and other law enforcement agencies executed numerous actions that included, random stop and searches of 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles.
Kock said actions also included visibility patrols, vehicle check points, roadblocks, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second hand goods dealers and scrapyards, firearm dealers and visits to spaza shops.
“During the operations, 247 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of counterfeit goods and possession of drugs.
“This includes robbery, assaults, house-breaking and theft, malicious damage to property, assault GBH, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the detention of illegal immigrants,” he said.
Kock further said the police detectives traced and arrested several 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 the police actions also focused on the confiscation of dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, alcohol, cash and vehicles were confiscated.
“Tuck shops were also raided and expired items removed and destroyed. Operation Shanela remains consistent in putting more boots on the ground during the safer festive season operations in its quest to squeeze crime in all hot spot areas throughout the province,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies, Community Police Forums (CPF) and Community in Blue Patrollers, that led to the arrest of the criminals.
Otola also appreciated the efforts of police members and reiterated that the police are ready to keep the province safe, secure and peaceful during this festive season and beyond.
The Guardian 