By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 September 2026 – The police in Northern Cape have arrested 396 suspects during Operation Shanela II operations conducted across the Northern Cape’s five districts from 21 to 27 September 2026. The operation targeted criminal activities through high-density and disruptive actions, including stop-and-searches, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks and tracing operations.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the operation was conducted in collaboration with community structures, government departments and other law enforcement agencies. Ehlers said during the operations, 283 suspects were arrested for various offences, while 6 661 people and 3 424 vehicles were searched.
“Detectives also intensified tracing operations targeting wanted suspects and individuals who had failed to appear in court, resulting in a further 113 arrests.
“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships and formal and informal businesses,” she said.
Ehlers further said unlicensed liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance and regulatory violations, while alcohol, drugs and dangerous weapons were confiscated. She added that those who were arrested face charges relating to serious and priority crimes, including drug-related offences, illegal liquor trading, property-related crimes, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“The police also continued to strengthen community engagement and partnership policing through awareness campaigns and outreach activities. The Northern Cape SAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to disrupting criminal activities and creating safer communities in support of the SAPS Reset Agenda.
“The intelligence-driven operations, decisive enforcement and strong partnerships would continue to be used to combat crime and ensure that offenders are brought before the law,” said Ehlers.
