Picture: Police conducting stop and search/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 August 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape, together with their counterparts from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, conducted Operation Shanela II operations across the province from 17 until 23 August 2026. The operations resulted in the arrest of 302 suspects for various crimes.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said operations conducted under the leadership and direction of senior officers at provincial, district and station level, were executed in collaboration with officials from various government departments, including the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Department of Health, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Social Development.
Litabe said the multi-disciplinary operations were aimed at stamping the authority of the state across all districts of the province and enhancing the safety and security of communities. He further said members conducted searches of 142 premises, 8372 persons and 4238 vehicles, traced wanted suspects, embarked on high-visibility patrols and conducted several roadblocks and Vehicle Control Points.
“The police also closed down 19 unlicensed liquor outlets for non-compliance and conducted compliance inspections at licensed dealers such as bottle stores, taverns and scrapyards. These activities resulted in the arrest of 302 suspects for various offences, including dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, business robbery, murder, attempted murder, common assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), burglary at residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol and contravention of the Immigration Act.
“Detectives across the five districts conducted tracing operations which led to the arrest of 152 wanted suspects for an assortment of offences for which they were evading court appearances. The operations also resulted in the confiscation of hundreds of litres of liquor, cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, stolen copper cables, dangerous weapons and drugs and the recovery of suspected stolen items,” added Litabe.
He said a motor vehicle allegedly hijacked in Kathu on 21 August 2026, was recovered.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and participating stakeholders for their dedication and commitment in executing these operations. Otola said through sustained and collaborative operations and the enforcement of the SAPS Reset Agenda, Northern Cape SAPS will continue to disrupt criminal activities, apprehend wanted suspects and ensure that the people of the Northern Cape are and feel safe.
“We further call on communities to continue working with the police and other law enforcement agencies by providing information about criminal activities in their areas,” she said.
The Guardian 