Shanela blitz hits crime hot spots in Northern Cape, 185 arrested

THE LATEST phase of Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service’s multi-disciplinary, high-density crime-fighting initiative, resulted in the arrest of 185 suspects across the Northern Cape during a week-long blitz targeting high-risk areas.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the operation, running from April 28 to May 4, mobilised law enforcement agencies in a co-ordinated crackdown on violent and contact crimes, with the police executing thousands of vehicle stops, searches, and compliance inspections across the province.

A total of 3,453 vehicles and 6,382 individuals were searched during roadblocks and patrols, while numerous businesses – including liquor outlets, scrapyards, farms, recycling facilities, and security companies – were scrutinised for compliance. Several non-compliant liquor outlets were shut down.

The 185 arrests covered a wide range of offences, from attempted murder, burglary, and assault, to drug possession, stock theft, illicit mining, and immigration violations. The police also seized illicit alcohol, narcotics, dangerous weapons, and cash suspected to be linked to criminal activity.

Detectives conducted parallel tracing operations to locate and apprehend individuals wanted for outstanding cases, while community outreach efforts continued to promote crime prevention and public awareness.

The acting provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga, praised the dedication and teamwork of all law enforcement agencies involved in the latest Operation Shanela roll-out.

He also thanked community members for their ongoing support and for providing valuable tip-offs via the SAPS Crime Stop line (08600 10111) and the MySAPS app, emphasising that everyone has a role to play in the fight against crime. SAPS reaffirmed that all information received is handled with the strictest confidentiality.