Picture: The police conducting stop and search/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 March 2026- Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) across the five districts of the Northern Cape Province continued to stamp the authority of the State through Operation Shanela II activities conducted from 2 until 8 March 2026. Operating throughout the province, the police ensured the arrest of 201 suspects for various crimes.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the offences include business robberies, driving under the influence of alcohol, attempted murder, murder, drug related crimes, and other serious crimes. Litabe said the actions executed during the operation included Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop-and-search operations of persons, premises and vehicles, tracing operations, high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, and other crime prevention activities.
“The police worked in conjunction with the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Traffic Police, and other government departments. The multi-disciplinary teams also seized hundreds of litres of alcohol, ammunition, cash, dangerous weapons, drugs and a handgun during the operations.
“Arrests effected during the week included the arrest of wanted suspects by detectives during tracing operations. Additionally, law enforcement engaged with the community through awareness campaigns to address priority crimes, especially gender-based violence and femicide, property related crimes and other current crimes trends,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed appreciation for the efforts of members in stamping the authority of the state. Otola said the SAPS, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to enforce the law and assert the authority of the State through simultaneous, intelligence-driven operations across all districts in the province.
The Guardian 