The Northern Cape police were out in full force during “Operation Shanela”, targeting illegal firearms, contact crimes – particularly murder and rape – trio crimes and aggravated robbery.
THE NORTHERN Cape police were out in full force during “Operation Shanela”, targeting illegal firearms, contact crimes – particularly murder and rape – trio crimes and aggravated robbery.
During the week-long operation, law enforcement officers executed a range of actions across problematic areas. These actions included crime intelligence-driven operations, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, compliance inspections, and stop-and-search operations.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, a total of 261 suspects were apprehended for serious offences, including illegal possession of firearms, drug-related crimes, liquor offences, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) and burglary.
Among those arrested were 91 wanted suspects who had previously eluded law enforcement. Detectives successfully traced and apprehended these individuals, who were linked to crimes such as business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.
Throughout the operation, 7,249 individuals and 3,882 vehicles underwent thorough searches. Additionally, 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down during compliance inspections, resulting in the confiscation of hundreds of litres of alcohol.
Law enforcement also seized copper cable, dangerous weapons, firearms and a significant quantity of illicit drugs, including dagga, tik and mandrax.
In parallel with enforcement actions, the Northern Cape police also conducted awareness campaigns to address priority crimes. These campaigns covered a range of topics, including sexual offences awareness, children in conflict with the law and gender-based violence. Officers also visited schools to conduct searches and promote safety.
Colonel Ehlers said that upcoming disruptive law enforcement actions will involve the implementation of “Operation Basadi” in recognition of Women’s Month. The operation aims to raise awareness about crimes targeting women, children and vulnerable populations.
Ehlers concluded by saying that communities are applauded for providing crucial information that has led to the apprehension of offenders, and they are encouraged to continue assisting law enforcement by exposing criminals.
