Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 May 2026 – The multi-disciplinary, high density weekly Operation Shanela 2 was executed by the police in all five districts in conjunction with external role players which resulted in the arrest of 180 suspects for various crimes. The operation was executed from 4 to 10 May 2026, focusing on reducing contact crimes, property related crimes and drug related crimes through the execution of high-density patrols in urban and rural communities, roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) in crime hotspots areas.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said these targeted disruptive actions and activities included stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and community outreach programmes involving community policing structures. Shemane said during the roadblocks, 2169 vehicles and 4263 persons were stopped and searched.
“Compliance inspections were conducted at scrapyards, second-hand goods dealers, vehicle dealerships, licensed liquor premises, licensed firearm dealers, tuck shops, farms and mines. During the compliance operations, 20 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed down for non- compliance for not failing to comply with the legal requirements as stipulated by law.
“The 180 suspects arrested during the operations, were apprehended for attempted murder, assault, burglary, dealing and possession of drugs, theft off or from motor vehicle, illegal dealing in liquor as well as undocumented foreign nationals,” he said.
Shemane further said wanted suspects were traced by detectives for evading court appearances and contravening court orders. He added that during search and seizure actions, numerous items were confiscated including drugs, large volumes of alcoholic beverages, a firearm, dangerous weapons and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended both SAPS members and external role players and the community involvement in their endeavours in the fight against crime.
The Guardian 