By REGINALD KANYANE
12 May 2025– A total of 249 suspects were arrested for various offences such as, including, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug dealing, illicit liquor trading, robbery, murder and attempted murder. Some of the suspects were also arrested for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), Burglary at business and residential premises.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the detective unit also continued with the tracing of wanted suspects who were evading the law for an array of crimes. Pilane said significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be proceeds of crime were confiscated.
“Stolen livestock was also recovered and two suspects arrested in Upington in the ZFM District. Community engagements and awareness campaigns remain ongoing, with the aim of educating the public on crime trends, prevention strategies, and safety measures.
“The weekly high-density, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela continues to yield positive results in the fight against crime across the Northern Cape province,” he said.
Pilane further said the week-long operation, which ran from 5 to 11 May 2025, was conducted across all five districts and led by District Commissioners and senior officers of the province.
He added that crime prevention initiatives included stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), compliance inspections, and targeted interventions aimed at addressing drug and alcohol related crimes as well as trio crimes.
“The operation saw collaboration from various external stakeholders, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Liquor Board.
“During the operation, 3456 vehicles and 7237 persons were stopped and searched at VCPs and roadblocks. In addition, over 500 individuals were searched during high-visibility patrols,” said Pilane.
He said numerous liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers were inspected for compliance, resulting in the closure of multiple non-compliant and illegal liquor outlets.
Meanwhile, acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the collaborative efforts of all participating departments, law enforcement agencies, and community policing forums, citing that nobody will be left behind. Ngunelanga said the public is encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal activity via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.
The Guardian 