Picture: More than 265 suspects nabbed during Safer Easter Operation Paseka/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
14 April 2026 – The unwavering commitment and zero tolerance approach by the police in the Northern Cape was evident during the implementation of the Safer Easter Operation Paseka across all five districts in the province, which resulted in the arrest of 265 suspects. The police said operations under the auspices of Operation Shanela 2 were conducted from 6 until 12 April 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the high density and coordinated interventions consisted of ongoing intelligence-driven actions aimed at combating crime in identified hotspots. Ehlers said during the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 10 133 individuals and 4 531 vehicles were also searched.
“Operational activities included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks. The police concentrated efforts on road safety, drunk driving and the prevention of trafficking of drugs along the main routes within the province.
“Detectives conducted tracing operations that resulted in the arrest of several wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences. Compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation,” she said.
Ehlers further said as a result, several unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations. She added that in total, 265 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, property related crimes, attempted murder, rape and assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons were confiscated during the operations. The police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS) and various government departments, conducted awareness campaigns addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, youth safety and other priority trends,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, she said the Northern Cape Provincial and District management, welcomed the successful results of the operation and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments and the community. Ehlers said efforts will be sustained beyond the Easter period to ensure that inhabitants and visitors are safe.
The Guardian 