By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 August 2025- The police said Operation Shanela II remains steadfast and intentional in its efforts to combat crime through high-density policing operations conducted across all five districts of the province. The police said the week-long actions, which took place from 18-24 August 2025, focused on priority crimes in identified hotspot areas.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said during this period, multi-disciplinary teams affected 399 arrests, including several wanted suspects who had been evading the police. Kock said the majority of arrests were linked to possession of dangerous weapons, drug dealing and possession, illegal liquor trading, murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), burglary and malicious damage to property.
“The police conducted numerous actions, which included roadblocks, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) and high-visibility patrols. A total of 14 442 persons and 7 582 vehicles were stopped and searched.
“Compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, firearm dealers, informal businesses, and liquor outlets resulted in the closure of 19 unlicensed liquor outlets,” he said.
Kock further said to enhance rural safety, high-visibility patrols were carried out in farming and mining areas. He added that these disruptive actions led to the confiscation of significant quantities of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons, and copper cables.
“In addition, several awareness campaigns were hosted, including Women’s Month programmes focusing on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
“These engagements highlighted personal safety and awareness initiatives aimed at protecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all SAPS members and stakeholders for their commitment and acknowledged the vital role of communities in supporting these initiatives. Otola encouraged continued collaboration between law enforcement and the public to ensure safer communities across the province.
The Guardian 