By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 June 2025- More than 227 suspects were arrested for various crimes across Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested during the on-going multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven Operation Shanela.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police arrested a multitude of suspects during police actions conducted from 26 May until 1 June 2025, across five districts in the province. Shemane said the provincial components, districts and stations, executed joint operations during this period to strengthen the local policing capacity at stations.
“During vehicle check points and roadblocks conducted, 6534 persons were searched with 3100 vehicles stopped. The multi-disciplinary teams arrested 277 suspects and the detectives traced and arrested wanted suspects who evaded court appearances.
“The suspects were arrested for crimes, including contravening the firearms control act, illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of explosives, contact crimes, property-related crimes and drugs-related crimes, which are self-initiated actions by the police,” he said.
Shemane further said illicit mining operations were also conducted in the Greater Kimberley area on 26 and 27 May 2025, focusing on dismantling illegal mining activities in the Frances Baard District under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi. He added that compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand goods dealers, firearm dealers, informal businesses and liquor outlets, which also resulted in the closure of 5th unlicensed liquor outlets.
“During the disruptive actions, police confiscated drugs, dangerous weapons, a significant amount of liquor, and copper cables. Stations also conducted awareness campaigns in conjunction with Community Policing Structures and external stakeholders in support of child protection month.
“Various schools across the five districts were visited during which SAPS members engaged with learners,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, re-assured communities that the police would continue to stamp down the authority of the state during these operations. Otola said those who commit or intend to commit crime will be arrested and face the full might of the law.
“The collaboration with external stakeholders is appreciated and commended and exemplifies partnership policing,” she said.
The Guardian 