Picture: The police seized illegal alcohol/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 400 suspects were arrested for various crimes during a concerted effort of the multi-disciplinary forces executed from 18-25 February 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, actions were executed in all five districts in the province. Kock said the aim of Operation Shanela, was to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. He further said these disruptive actions and activities included Vehicle Control Points (VCPs), stop and searches.
“This includes conducting roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, foot patrols in malls and shopping complexes, compliance inspections, and visits to farms and mines. During these operations, 265 suspects were arrested for an array of crimes, including illegal possession of explosives.
“This includes the illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, illicit mining, murder, rape, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Kock.
He added that, during tracing operations, detectives arrested 159 daily wanted suspects for business robberies, murder, rape, and assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and illegal firearms and ammunition. Kock said a total of 123 Vehicle Control Points (VCPs) and 29 roadblocks were conducted across the province.
“More than 360 premises were searched, 9986 vehicles and 17 071 persons were stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were also executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises.
“During the operations, the police confiscated firearms, cell phones, dangerous weapons, thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs including mandrax, tik, dagga, explosives, and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola, assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly and with no fear or favour. Otola said a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted towards the abuse of alcohol and drugs and crimes committed against women and children.
“We would like to make a special call to communities to rate the police efforts by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE, which is an online survey to assist the police in improving service delivery.
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