By OBAKENG MAJE
15 February 2026- More than 576 suspects were arrested for various offences, including drug-related crimes, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with the intent to cause Grievious Bodily Harm (GBH), and burglary. The arrests were made Operation Shanella across the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the continued commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape was once again demonstrated through the execution of Operation Shanela II conducted across all five districts in the province. Ehlers said the operation carried out from 9 until 15 February 2026.
“This formed part of ongoing intelligence-driven initiatives aimed at preventing crime, stabilising identified hotspots and ensuring safer communities.
“The operations were led by District Commissioners and senior managers at provincial, district and station levels, supported by various law enforcement stakeholders,” she said.
Ehlers further said during the operational period, numerous premises were searched, while 12623 persons and 5006 vehicles were stopped and searched. She added that they also conducted stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols, vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks as part of intensified crime prevention efforts.
“Several suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Detectives also executed tracing operations which led to the arrest of numerous wanted suspects who had been evading arrest for an array of crimes.
“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines, and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation,” said Ehlers.
She said these inspections resulted in the closure of 16 unlicensed liquor outlets. Ehlers said during the operations, large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated.
“Counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, and money suspected of being the proceeds of crime were also seized.
“The police and Community Policing Structures (CPFs) continue to conduct awareness campaigns to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), contact crimes and other trending crime patterns,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, and her management, welcomed the positive outcomes and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to safeguarding communities and maintaining safety and security across the province. Otola encouraged members of the public to continue working with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.
The Guardian 