By REGINALD KANYANE
31 March 2025- Seven suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for drunk and driving, possession of drugs, riotous behaviour, shoplifting, and contravention of immigration laws after they were found to be illegally in the country.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the police further discovered an unregistered Day Care Centre operating without the required documentation in a Kuruman residential area, and the local Department of Social Development personnel were contacted for further handling. Pilane said the senior officers led a deployment of police members in executing high density operations in the Kuruman and Bothithong policing prescient, supported by the Community Police Forum (CPF) and Community in Blue Patrollers.
“The police actions focused on combating aggravated and business robberies, burglary at residential premises, preventing stolen property in transit, combating drugs and human trafficking, as well as stock theft.
“The multi-disciplinary operations were executed by members from the affected stations, SAPS K9 unit, Flying Squad, members from the Provincial Proactive Policing, Provincial Corporate Communication and the Vehicle Safeguarding Section (VSS),” he said.
Pilane said the disruptive actions commenced on 28 March 2025, and concluded on 29 March 2025, with stop and searches, foot patrols, blue light patrols, compliance inspections and drugs searches were the order of the day. He said the police conducted roadblocks on the N14 road during which 392 vehicles were stopped and searched.
“Fines amounting to R38 500, were issued for various road traffic violations. During compliance inspections at tuckshops and taverns operating in Kuruman and Bothithong were also visited. One tavern was closed down and a fine was issued for non-compliance,” said Pilane.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, appreciated all role players and law enforcement agencies, who were involved in the crime blitz for the collaboration in terms of combating and preventing crime during the operations. Baloyi said these actions reaffirmed that police will continue to stamp down the authority of the state in the district, especially as they are approaching the Easter holidays and beyond.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities via the MYSAPS App or the 08600 10111crime stop number,” he said.
The Guardian 