The police in the Northern Cape netted a number of successes during the multidisciplinary Operation Shanela.
THE POLICE in the Northern Cape netted success during the multidisciplinary Operation Shanela.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the operation was conducted across the Province from Thursday, August 17, until Sunday, August 20.
Sam said a sharp focus was placed on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in hot spots.
“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling, and tracing operations by detectives,” said Sam.
A total of 42 vehicle checkpoints and 17 roadblocks were held across the Province, at which 2,991 and 6,355 persons were stopped and searched, respectively.
Sam said 826 compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, liquor outlets and formal and informal businesses, as well as mines.
Ninety suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of a motor vehicle, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the illegal possession of firearms.
“Police actions also resulted in the seizure of dagga worth around R105,000 in the Kagisho police station precinct in Kimberley, which led to a 61-year-old female being arrested,” Sam added.
He said a further 249 wanted suspects were traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravening court orders. Seven undocumented persons were also detained and processed by Department of Home Affairs immigration officials.
“Tracing operations were led by the deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection, Major-General Mmantsheke Lekhele, in Kimberley and Upington, which added to the list of apprehended wanted suspects,” Sam said.
The police also confiscated alcohol, drugs, ammunition, dangerous weapons and cash to the value of R37,000, believed to be the proceeds of crime.
The Northern Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the successes of Operation Shanela and thanked the community for their role in reporting criminal activities.
“Sweeping our streets clean of criminality will ensure a safe and secure environment for all, especially vulnerable groups,” she said.
