Police operation nets 1,850 suspects in Northern Cape
IN A WEEK-long operation from June 3 to June 9, law enforcement agencies across the Northern Cape arrested a total of 1,850 suspects during Operation Shanela.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the operation was a multi-disciplinary effort involving teams in all five districts of the Province, focusing on priority crimes such as contact crimes, property-related crimes, drug-related crimes and illegal firearms.
The operation involved a variety of actions, including premises searches, stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, compliance inspections, roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints. The concerted efforts of all disciplines resulted in the arrest of 1,850 individuals, including 1,688 wanted suspects.
These wanted suspects were apprehended by detectives during tracing operations in connection with serious crimes such as murder, rape, assault GBH, business robbery and illegal possession of firearms. Arrests were also made for drug dealing, burglary and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the operation, a total of 5,941 individuals and 2,798 vehicles were stopped and searched. Four unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down and a significant amount of alcohol was confiscated. Law enforcement also seized a considerable amount of drugs and cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime, and stolen copper cable.
In support of Child Protection Week, law enforcement officials visited several schools in the Province, reaching over 6,000 learners. They addressed priority issues such as bullying, sexual offences, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and school discipline.
Ehlers said that Operation Shanela will continue its disruptive actions in the coming week, aiming to address priority crimes and remove dangerous perpetrators from the streets.
