Northern Cape police make nearly 250 arrests in week-long crackdown

A SWEEPING week-long police blitz across the Northern Cape has netted nearly 250 arrests, shut down illegal liquor outlets, and recovered weapons, stolen goods, drugs - and even stolen livestock.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said that Operation Shanela, the province-wide initiative, ran from Monday, May 5, to Sunday, May 11, and was led by senior police officers and district commissioners. 

The high-density crackdown targeted key crime hot spots across all five districts, combining the efforts of the police with the SANDF and various departments such as Home Affairs, Health, Social Development, Sars, and the Liquor Board.

Officers on foot and vehicle patrols fanned out into communities, while roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints saw over 3,400 vehicles and more than 7,200 people stopped and searched. A further 500 people were searched during high-visibility patrols, while numerous liquor outlets and second-hand dealers were inspected for compliance, leading to the shutdown of several illegal and non-compliant liquor businesses.

The operation delivered a strong blow to a wide range of criminal activities. A total of 249 suspects were arrested for crimes, including:

• Illegal firearm and ammunition possession
• Drug dealing and possession
• Robbery, murder, attempted murder, and assault
• Business and home burglaries
• Illicit liquor sales

In a notable success, police in Upington arrested two suspects and recovered stolen livestock - highlighting continued efforts to protect rural farming communities from stock theft.

Detective units also made strides, tracking down suspects who had been evading arrest for various offences. In addition to arrests, officers seized significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, and cash believed to be linked to criminal operations.

Beyond enforcement, Operation Shanela also focused on community outreach. Prayer services and awareness campaigns took place across the province, with a special session held in Galeshewe, where acting provincial commissioner Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga joined community members in prayer against gender-based violence and in tribute to three fallen officers.

Major-General Ngubelanga also praised the united efforts of all departments, law enforcement agencies, and community policing forums, emphasising a commitment to leaving no one behind in the fight against crime.

As the police tighten their grip on criminal activity in the Northern Cape, residents are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity via the MySAPS app or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.