Diggers, dealers, copper crooks and booze bandits – all busted as police net 277 suspects

A SWEEPING week-long crackdown across the Northern Cape has seen 277 suspects arrested as law enforcement intensified its presence through the intelligence-driven Operation Shanela.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the province-wide operation, which ran from Monday, May 26, to Sunday, June 1, mobilised police from all five districts, supported by specialised units and community policing partners. The aim: to disrupt criminal activity, restore order, and reaffirm the authority of the state.

Thousands of people and vehicles were stopped during roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints, with police searching over 6,500 individuals and more than 3,000 vehicles. The wide-ranging arrests were linked to a host of serious offences, including contact and property-related crimes, illegal firearms and explosives, and drug-related cases.

Illicit mining also came under the spotlight, with disruptive operations in the Frances Baard District targeting illegal diggings in the greater Kimberley area under Operation Vala Umgodi. The police raided hot spots and seized equipment believed to be used in illegal mining operations.

A parallel blitz on illegal liquor sales led to the shutdown of 15 unlicensed outlets. Inspections were also carried out at second-hand goods dealers, informal businesses, and firearm dealers, with compliance checks yielding further arrests and confiscations.

The operation uncovered stashes of drugs, dangerous weapons, copper cables, and large quantities of illegal alcohol. Detectives also tracked down wanted suspects who had skipped court appearances.

In support of Child Protection Month, SAPS members extended their reach beyond enforcement. Officers visited schools across the province, engaging with learners in awareness campaigns aimed at building safer communities.

As the crackdown concludes its latest round, police leadership has vowed that these high-impact operations will continue, promising to hold criminals accountable and maintain visible policing across the Northern Cape.

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasising that anyone involved in criminal activity will be brought to justice. She also praised the role of external partners, noting that their support highlights the strength of collaborative, community-driven policing.