The Northern Cape police were out in force during Operation Shanela.
Image: File picture
THE NORTHERN Cape police have intensified their efforts to stamp out crime, with Operation Shanela delivering another blow to lawbreakers across the province. Over the past week, the high-density police crackdown resulted in 256 arrests and the seizure of weapons, drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, and livestock.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that the week-long operation, which ran from February 24 to March 2, saw law enforcement teams conduct sweeping raids across all five districts. Officers set up vehicle checkpoints, executed stop-and-searches, tracked down wanted suspects, and bolstered police visibility in high-crime areas.
During the operation, nearly 3,000 vehicles and over 7,000 individuals were stopped and searched.
A significant bust took place in Van Zylsrus, where two men, aged 36 and 38, were caught with bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R19,000 in a VW Polo during a routine checkpoint.
The crackdown also extended to inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, firearm dealers, and farms to ensure compliance with regulations. Community awareness campaigns were held alongside enforcement actions to engage residents in crime prevention efforts.
Among those arrested were suspects linked to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, armed robbery, drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, stock theft, and driving under the influence.
The police also apprehended undocumented individuals and confiscated significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, fuel, copper, and cash believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Northern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola commended law enforcement agencies for their co-ordinated efforts during the operation. She emphasised that combating crime is a collective responsibility, requiring strong collaboration between the police, community structures, and external partners to ensure no one is left behind in the fight for a safer province.
General Otola called on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity immediately. Residents can assist in the fight against crime by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS app for anonymous tips.
Operation Shanela’s high-density police actions this past week led to major successes across the Northern Cape. Here’s a snapshot of the week’s achievements:
Additionally, the police seized large quantities of alcohol, drugs, weapons, copper, and stolen goods, reinforcing law enforcement’s commitment to safety and security.
Operation Shanela by the numbers.
Image: Graphic: DFA
Operation Shanela’s week-long crackdown in the Northern Cape led to 256 arrests and the seizure of drugs, weapons, and stolen goods in a province-wide crime sweep.
Operation Shanela
Image: Supplied, SAPS
Picture: Supplied, SAPS
Operation Shanela
Image: Supplied, SAPS
Picture: Supplied, SAPS
Operation Shanela
Image: Supplied, SAPS
Picture: Supplied, SAPS
Operation Shanela
Image: Supplied, SAPS
Picture: Supplied, SAPS
This past week’s operation resulted in some eye-catching arrests. Here are some of the most significant from the latest police sweep:
1. Van Zylrus Dagga Bust
Two men thought they could cruise past a vehicle checkpoint in Van Zylrus unnoticed - until officers found bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R19,000 stashed in their VW Polo. The suspects, aged 36 and 38, were promptly arrested, proving once again that drug smuggling and roadblocks don’t mix.
2. Copper Crooks Caught Red-Handed
A group of opportunistic thieves thought they could get away with stealing and reselling valuable copper from stolen cables. Unfortunately for them, Operation Shanela was in full swing, and the police swiftly confiscated the stolen metal and shut down their illegal trade. The message is clear - tampering with essential infrastructure won’t go unnoticed.
3. Livestock Theft Gone Wrong
Think you can smuggle livestock unnoticed? Think again. Several suspects were arrested for stock theft after trying to transport stolen cattle. Operation Shanela officers tracked and recovered the stolen animals, returning them to their rightful owners.
4. Illegal Booze Bonanza
Illegal liquor traders hoping to cash in on unlicensed sales were in for a rude awakening when the police raided their operations. Massive quantities of alcohol were confiscated, sending a strong warning to those trying to operate outside the law.
Crime Doesn’t Pay
With 256 arrests, thousands of searches, and a high police presence across the Northern Cape, Operation Shanela aims to make it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate. The SAPS encourages the public to report any suspicious activity using the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app. Operation Shanela is watching!
The police had their hands full during Operation Shanela.
Image: DFA, picture created with DALL-E
The police had their hands full during Operation Shanela. Picture: DFA, created with DALL-E
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