By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 April 2025- As the Easter Weekend celebrations came to an end, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety by intensifying efforts to curb criminal activities across the province. From 14 April to 20 April 2025, the men and women in blue conducted high-impact operations across all five districts during Operation Paseka (Safer Easter Holiday Operations) coupled with Operation Shanela.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said these operations led by the five District Commissioners and senior officers, resulted in the arrest of 304 individuals for serious offences, including dealing in drugs, illegal liquor trade, robbery, attempted murder, rape, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Ehlers said adopting a zero-tolerance approach, SAPS worked in collaboration with various government departments, law enforcement agencies, and community structures to tackle priority crimes.

“The operations led to the confiscation of illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms and dangerous weapons. Crime prevention efforts included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, and stop-and-search operations.

 “During these activities, 15267 individuals and 1513 vehicles were searched. Seventeen arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” she said.

Ehlers further said compliance inspections were also carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recycling facilities, resulting in the closure of several non-compliant liquor establishments. She added that detective teams were out in full force to trace and apprehend wanted suspects.

“With increased traffic as holidaymakers returned home, the SAPS urged all motorists to observe road safety regulations and drive responsibly.

“In the lead-up to the weekend, SAPS partnered with relevant stakeholders to conduct community outreach and awareness campaigns. These initiatives focused on Easter safety measures and highlighted key issues such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF),” said Ehlers.

She said big events, including drag racing, spinning, music festivals and sports tournaments, were successfully policed and monitored, ensuring the safety of attendees. Ehlers said no major incidents were reported during these gatherings.

“These targeted crime prevention efforts will continue beyond the Easter period. The SAPS encourages the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or criminal activity through the MySAPS app or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.

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