Operation Shanela seeks to secure safe start to 2025 academic year
AS NORTHERN Cape schools prepare to reopen for the 2025 academic year, Operation Shanela remains committed to reducing contact and violent crimes to ensure a safe learning environment for pupils and educators.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam confirmed that the weekly multi-disciplinary high-density operation commenced on Monday, January 6, and ran until Sunday, January 12. The operation was executed across all five districts as part of preparations for the reopening of schools this week.
Law enforcement officers conducted a range of crime-prevention activities, including vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, and compliance inspections. Throughout the Province, a total of 2,422 vehicles and 4,780 individuals were stopped and searched.
Authorities carried out compliance checks at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security firms, firearm dealers, businesses, and farms, ensuring adherence to regulations. The operation also focused on cracking down on illegal activities such as drug smuggling and the possession of dangerous weapons.
During the course of the operation, 203 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, drug-related crimes, contraventions of the Immigration Act, and stock theft.
In Kuruman, police on crime-prevention patrols received information about a wanted suspect spotted in the area. Officers followed up on the tip-off and successfully arrested the suspect, who was allegedly involved in an incident where a security officer was shot with his own firearm.
Large quantities of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, fireworks, and cash believed to be linked to criminal activities were also confiscated during the operation.
The provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, commended law enforcement agencies for their collective efforts. She reaffirmed the police’s commitment to safer schools initiatives during the Back to School campaign and emphasised that officers will maintain high visibility in and around schools, monitoring for the possession of dangerous objects, alcohol, or illegal drugs on school premises.
She also highlighted the importance of community involvement in crime prevention, stating that public support plays a crucial role in reinforcing law enforcement efforts. She expressed appreciation for the community’s role in working alongside the police to fight crime effectively.
Sergeant Sam reiterated that with Operation Shanela in full force, authorities remain dedicated to fostering a safer environment for pupils, educators, and communities as the new school year begins.
