By BAKANG MOKOTO
4 February 2025- The police in Northern Cape said Operation Shanela remains steadfast in its objective to reduce contact and violent crimes, as well as all other categories of crime. The weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on 27 January 2025 until 2 February 2025, executed in the five districts, resulted in the arrest of 256 suspects and the confiscation of numerous items.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said actions and police activities executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling. Sam said several vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 5226 vehicles and 13 155 persons were stopped and searched.
“Numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were executed. Operational successes achieved, included the arrest of 255 suspects for murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary and illegal dealing in liquor.
“This includes malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol, robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, stock theft and other crimes,” he said.
Sam further said the police in their endeavour with communities, managed to raid and confiscate illegal drugs valued at more than R120 000 and intercepted a maroon/red Renault Clio with stolen copper cables and military uniform. He added that they have made arrests and seized drugs valued at more than R700 000 in Springbok.
“We have also arrested a hitch-hiker who jumped off a truck in Strydenburg with a bag filled with dagga. The police also intercepted a stolen vehicle in Danielskuil that was stolen in Batlharos in the JTG District.
“Dangerous weapons were confiscated by several crime fighting patrollers, including the Galaletsang Section patrollers in Mothibistad. The detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, traced and brought to book suspects that are on the police wanted list for evading court appearances and or contravention of court orders,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. Otola indicated that police will continue with their operations in stamping the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all people living in the Northern Cape.
The Guardian 