By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 382 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, this includes illicit mining, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of suspected stolen stock, undocumented illegal immigrants, possession of precious metals, as well as illegal dealing in liquor that resulted in the closure of 10 liquor outlets.
Kock said 143 wanted suspects were traced and arrested by detectives for evading court appearances and contravening court orders.
“Operation Shanela is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation and commenced from 15 until 21 April 2024, with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots. Actions and police activities, executed during the disruptive actions.
“Activities include vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, smuggling of drugs and other commodities. VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2270 vehicles and 4617 persons were stopped and searched,” he said.
Kock further said the police have executed several actions, which included numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.
He added that the police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages and non-ferrous metal items during inspections.
“The police also seized a large amount of drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing during different raids and operations across the province,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, indicated that the success of Operation Shanela is due to the support of various communities and the multi-disciplinary approach with several role players. Otola said they will unabatedly continue to combat any unlawful actions and ensure special care to victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).
“The police invite the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” she said.
TaungDailyNews 