By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 January 2025- More than 186 suspects arrested during Operation Shanela, that is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on 20 until 26 January 2025.
The suspects were arrested for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as undocumented illegal immigrants and wanted persons.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela focuses on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspot areas. Kock said in total, 9900 actions and police activities were executed, which included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling.
“Numerous vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks, were conducted across the province
during which 1929 vehicles and 4623 persons were stopped and searched. Various compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed.
“Random schools were also visited with Safer Schools representatives of both the Education Department and South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of the disruptive actions,” he said.
Kock further said the police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non-ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that the success of Operation Shanela in the province is as a result of stakeholder collaboration. Otola said the robust involvement of the community and all other relevant role players in crime fighting endeavours is pivotal in dismantling criminal activities, thus ensuring that no one is left behind.
“We invite the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said.
The Guardian 