Picture: The police during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 October 2026 – More than 289 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela II between 5 and 11 October 2026. The police in the Northern Cape said they will continue to intensify its crime-fighting efforts through high-density, multi-disciplinary operations.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the operations, conducted across all five districts in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, form part of the ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal activities and strengthen police visibility as the SAPS ramps up its Safer Festive Season operations. Shemane said with the festive season approaching, the police are deploying more boots on the ground through intensified patrols, roadblocks, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) and targeted crime prevention operations.
“These proactive interventions are aimed at disrupting criminal activities, removing illegal firearms and dangerous weapons from circulation, apprehending wanted suspects and ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors to the Northern Cape.
“During the reporting period, law enforcement officials stopped and searched 6 824 individuals and 3 862 vehicles at VCPs and roadblocks along national and provincial roads,” he said.
Shemane further said the operations resulted in the arrest of 289 suspects for various offences, including drug dealing, possession of drugs, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), common assault, burglary, malicious damage to property and offences relating to undocumented persons, among other crimes. He added that as part of efforts to enforce compliance with legislation, liquor premises found operating without the required licences or failing to comply with applicable legal requirements were closed.
“A total of 19 fines were issued during the operations. Law enforcement officials also confiscated various items linked to criminal activities, including cell phones, copper cables, dangerous weapons, alcoholic beverages, ammunition, drugs and cash. The provincial management commended the participating law enforcement agencies for their continued collaboration and commitment to the fight against crime.
“The integrated approach, which combines resources, expertise and operational capacity, remains critical in addressing crime and ensuring a coordinated response to threats to community safety. As the province intensifies its Safer Festive Season campaign, the police will maintain a heightened operational presence in crime hotspots and other identified areas of concern,” said Shemane.
He said the focus will remain on visible policing, targeted interventions, the prevention of serious and violent crime and the enforcement of the law to ensure that criminals have no place to hide. Shemane said the police call on communities to support these efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting criminal activities to the police.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report information that may assist in preventing or solving crime through the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App.
“The Northern Cape SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to building safer communities through sustained crime prevention operations, increased police visibility and strengthened partnerships with other law enforcement agencies and community structures,” he said.
Shemane said together, through collective action and vigilance, they can work towards a safer, crime-free Northern Cape this festive season and beyond.
