By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 November 2024- More than 167 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The police in Northern Cape said these actions and activities with the emphasis on High density operations, commenced on 18 until 24 November 2024.
The northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said these included Vehicle Control Points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and visits to farms and mines.
Shemane said during the weekly safer festive season operations, 167 suspects were arrested for crimes such as illegal possession of ammunition, dealing in drugs, assault common and GBH, murder, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robberies, attempted murder, burglaries, malicious damage to property and undocumented persons.
“Also, 40 VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2255 vehicles and 4323 persons were stopped and searched. The police closed 15 unlicensed liquor premises.
“Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, and liquor premises. mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited. This has enhanced efforts to curb crime as we celebrate the festive season period,” he said.
Shemane further said actions were executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. He added that during the operations, the police confiscated a firearm, ammunition, dangerous weapons, thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and copper cables.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that the police will be on high alert and the operations will continue undoubtedly during the festive season period and beyond. Otola said it will be all hands on deck, leaving no one behind during this period and beyond.
“We urge community members to make use of the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPS App when reporting criminal activities,” she said.
The Guardian 