By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 January 2025- More than 203 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela in Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said this includes robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, stock theft and other crimes.
Sam said Operation Shanela, remains steadfast in its objective to reduce contact and violent crimes as schools are gearing up to start the 2025 school year.
“The weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on 6 until 12 January 2025, was executed in the five districts as preparations for the reopening of schools started.
“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling,” he said.
Sam further said several vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 2422 vehicles and 4780 persons were stopped and searched. He added that numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses as well as farms were executed.
“The police in Kuruman, while executing crime prevention patrols, received information from the public of a wanted suspect who was seen walking in one of the streets. The police followed up the information and arrested the suspect who was allegedly involved in a case, where a security officer was shot with his own firearm.
“The police also confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, fireworks and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. Otola indicated that the police will promote safer schools’ initiatives during the Back to School Campaigns.
“The police will ensure visibility in and around schools, monitoring the carrying or storage of dangerous objects, and the possession or entry of alcohol or illegal drugs.
“Through robust community participation and support, the police’s actions will be strengthened. We appreciate the public’s efforts in fighting crime together,” she said.
The Guardian 