Picture: Some of money and drugs confiscated during the raids/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 March 2026- The determination of the police in the Northern Cape was apparent during the execution of Operation Shanela II across all five districts in the province, resulting in the arrest of 977 offenders. The police said executed from 23 February 2026 to 1 March 2026, the operation consisted of ongoing intelligence-led actions focused on combating crime in identified hotspots, and intensifying safety within communities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said coordinated actions were led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads, and Senior officers in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Ehlers said throughout the operation, multiple premises were searched.
“This included the search of 25 464 individuals and 11 559 vehicles. Operational interventions included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), and roadblocks. Numerous individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and for being drunk in public.
“Additionally, multi-disciplinary teams participated in inter-provincial cross-border operations coordinated by the Free State province. These actions resulted in the combating of crimes across the Provincial borders in the province,” she said.
Ehlers further said detectives conducted tracing operations, leading to the arrest of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences. She added that compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines, and farms to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
“As a result, 24 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down for non-compliance violations. In total, 977 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and burglary.
“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated during the operations. Authorities also seized copper cables, dangerous weapons, fireworks and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities,” said Ehlers.
She said the police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS), and government departments continue to conduct awareness campaigns addressing gender-based violence, contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, crime efforts to ensure the safety of the youth, and other emerging crime trends.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, along with her management team, welcomed the successful outcomes and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments to protect communities and ensure safety and security throughout the province. Otola said the public is encouraged to share valuable information that can assist with the arrest of perpetrators and ensure safer communities.
“Information can be reported via the MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” she said.
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