Zero-tolerance crackdown leads to 180 arrests in Northern Cape
THE NORTHERN Cape police, in collaboration with various government departments, have reinforced their zero-tolerance stance on crime, targeting priority offences in hot-spot areas across all five districts of the province.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers reported that a week-long series of disruptive operations resulted in the arrest of 180 suspects for crimes such as attempted murder, assault GBH, and the illegal trade of drugs and alcohol. Detectives also conducted targeted tracing operations to track down wanted individuals.
The crackdown also led to the confiscation of substantial amounts of illicit liquor and narcotics, including dagga, tik and mandrax.
Colonel Ehlers said that law enforcement executed multiple roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, and stop-and-search operations, during which 5,614 individuals and 2,157 vehicles were searched.
Compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, and informal businesses. This resulted in the shutdown of 12 unlicensed liquor outlets and the destruction of home-made illicit alcohol.
To enhance rural safety, police officers - alongside officials from the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Labour - visited 78 farms.
Additionally, community outreach initiatives were held to raise awareness about child safety and gender-based violence and femicide.
Colonel Ehlers stated that authorities remain committed to sustaining these operations and urged the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity via the MySAPS app or by calling 08600 10111.
