Police nab 250 in crackdown on Northern Cape crime hotspots

A TOTAL of 250 suspects were arrested during high-density police operations carried out across the Northern Cape between September 1 and 7 as part of Operation Shanela II.

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said that the South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by other law enforcement agencies and government departments, conducted widespread stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, and compliance inspections in an effort to curb crime across the province.

During the week-long operation, the police stopped and searched 2,809 vehicles and 6,584 individuals. Arrests were made for a range of offences, including contact and property-related crimes, as well as crimes detected through police action. Several suspects wanted for outstanding cases were also traced and apprehended.

Searches and inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, scrapyards, second-hand goods dealers, informal businesses, farms, and mines. Several non-compliant liquor outlets were shut down.

The police also confiscated a variety of items suspected to have been used in the commission of crimes, including drugs, illicit alcohol, dangerous weapons, ammunition, cash, cellphones, vehicle parts, and vehicles.

Community outreach efforts also formed part of the operation, with SAPS teams conducting crime awareness campaigns and engaging with local residents to strengthen policing partnerships.

The acting provincial commissioner, Major-General Thabo Mphuthi, praised the combined efforts of law enforcement, government departments, Community Police Forums, and SAPS members for their continued commitment to fighting crime.

Operation Shanela II forms part of SAPS’s ongoing strategy to disrupt criminal activity and enforce compliance with laws and regulations.