Picture: The police conducting stop and search/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
29 June 2026 – The Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Senior officers together with members in collaboration with community structures and various government departments across the Northern Cape, intensified crime-fighting initiatives by leading coordinated operations throughout all five districts. The province’s zero-tolerance approach to crime resulted in the arrest of 271 suspects during week-long operations conducted from 22 until 28 June 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said during the operations, the police searched numerous premises, while 6686 individuals and 2830 vehicles were stopped and searched. Ehlers said Detectives also executed tracing operations, leading to the arrest of a number of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement and failing to appear in court for various offences.
“Operational activities included stop-and-searches, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), and roadblocks. In addition, multi-disciplinary compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, and food outlets, to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
“As a result of these inspections, 31 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed for operating in contravention of various laws and regulations. Additionally, visits were intensified at tuckshops and foreign owned businesses across the province in preparation for shutdown actions on 30 June,” she said.
Ehlers further said law enforcement called on all residents to reject violence, hate speech and actions that may cause division within communities. She added that in total, 271 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, property-related crimes, murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“The police also confiscated large quantities of liquor and drugs and dangerous weapons during stop-and-search operations. Several community outreaches programmes, awareness campaigns and engagements with tuckshop owners across the province were conducted in support of SAPS priorities and in anticipation of the looming 30 June shutdown.
“The Northern Cape SAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a safer environment for all residents. Law enforcement agencies will continue to intensify operations to bring criminals to justice and ensure that lawlessness finds no place in our communities,” said Ehlers.
She said the members of the public can be assured that these operations will continue to safeguard lives and protect property.
The Guardian 