By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 369 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle and illegal possession of firearms.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Timothy Sam said this includes illicit mining, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as undocumented illegal immigrants.

“The suspects were also apprehended for stock theft and illegal possession of ammunition. The 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.

“Several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 3194 vehicles and 5657 persons were stopped and searched. Numerous compliance inspections at secondhand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were also executed,” he said.

Sam further said Operation Shanela is a weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation, which commenced on 25-28 January 2024 with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes.

“More than 109 daily wanted suspects were also traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.

“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he added.

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. She commended the community for their support and being whistle-blowers by reporting crime.

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