Tag Archives: District Commissioners

232 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: A man arrested for during Operation Shanela II/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 March 2026 – The unwavering commitment of the police in the Northern Cape was evident during the implementation of Operation Shanela II across all five districts in the province, which resulted in the arrest of 232 suspects. Conducted from 9 until 15 March 2026, the operation consisted of ongoing intelligence-driven actions aimed at combating crime in identified hotspots.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the coordinated operations were led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads and senior officers, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Ehlers said during the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 7 085 individuals and 3 318 vehicles were also searched.

“Operational activities included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks. Multi-disciplinary Illicit Mining Task teams also took part in intelligence driven actions with the focus on illicit mining, drug related crimes and tampering with essential infrastructure.

“Detectives conducted tracing operations that resulted in the arrest of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences,” she said.

Ehlers further said compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation. She added that as a result, 14 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations.

“In total, 232 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, robbery, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and burglary.

“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons were confiscated during the operations. The police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS) and various government departments, continue to conduct awareness campaigns addressing gender-based violence, contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, youth safety and other priority trends,” she said.

Ehlers said the provincial and district management welcomed the successful results of the operation and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments and the community. She said efforts will be intensified during the Easter holiday season to ensure that all inhabitants and visitors are safe.

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977 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of money and drugs confiscated during the raids/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 March 2026- The determination of the police in the Northern Cape was apparent during the execution of Operation Shanela II across all five districts in the province, resulting in the arrest of 977 offenders. The police said executed from 23 February 2026 to 1 March 2026, the operation consisted of ongoing intelligence-led actions focused on combating crime in identified hotspots, and intensifying safety within communities.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said coordinated actions were led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads, and Senior officers in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Ehlers said throughout the operation, multiple premises were searched.

“This included the search of 25 464 individuals and 11 559 vehicles. Operational interventions included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), and roadblocks. Numerous individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and for being drunk in public.

“Additionally, multi-disciplinary teams participated in inter-provincial cross-border operations coordinated by the Free State province. These actions resulted in the combating of crimes across the Provincial borders in the province,” she said.

Ehlers further said detectives conducted tracing operations, leading to the arrest of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences. She added that compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines, and farms to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

 “As a result, 24 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down for non-compliance violations. In total, 977 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and burglary.

“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated during the operations. Authorities also seized copper cables, dangerous weapons, fireworks and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities,” said Ehlers.

She said the police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS), and government departments continue to conduct awareness campaigns addressing gender-based violence, contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, crime efforts to ensure the safety of the youth, and other emerging crime trends.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, along with her management team, welcomed the successful outcomes and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments to protect communities and ensure safety and security throughout the province. Otola said the public is encouraged to share valuable information that can assist with the arrest of perpetrators and ensure safer communities.

“Information can be reported via the MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” she said.

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Operation Shanela remains steadfast

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Picture: A firearm discovered during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 May 2025- The Northern Cape police said the ongoing Operation Shanela remains steadfast and intentional during high density police actions that were executed across all five districts in the province during the past week to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. The police said these disruptive actions were led by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads and senior officers in the province and district.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said in the Namakwa District, Otola, together with Besnaar, the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews and supported by the Provincial Heads for Corporate Communication and Liaison,  Crime Intelligence and the Provincial Operational Command Centre, executed high density operations to address priority crimes as well illicit mining activities in conjunction with the Vala Umgodi teams currently deployed in the Kleinzee,  Port Nolloth and Koingnaas areas.

Kock said the multi-disciplinary teams across the province jointly executed 300 arrests, including wanted suspects arrested by detectives who have been evading police.

“Majority of the arrests included possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH, burglary, and malicious damage to property.

“In addition to the 12 907 police actions, several roadblocks, vehicle check points, as well as high visibility patrols were conducted, during which 6148 persons and 2451 vehicles were stopped and searched,” he said.

Kock further said dagga with an estimated street value of R330 000, was seized in Galeshewe Township recently and a female subsequently arrested. He added that compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, informal businesses, liquor outlets which also resulted in the closure of several unlicensed liquor outlets.

“In an effort to promote rural safety, high visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas where several farms and mines were visited. Disruptive actions resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons and copper cables.

“Several campaigns including, “Take a girl child to work”, were held across the province and safety awareness and career guidance were offered, while SAPS members also showcased various sections and components, which the police have to offer as a career of choice,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola expressed her gratitude towards all SAPS personnel and relevant stakeholders who contributed towards the successes achieved as well as the communities for their cooperation. Otola also encouraged all role players to continue with police actions and community interactions to ensure safer communities in the province.

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