255 nabbed in week-long Northern Cape crime blitz

A PROVINCE-wide crime blitz netted 255 arrests in just seven days as Northern Cape police intensified efforts to tackle serious criminal activity under the banner of Operation Shanela 2.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said that from June 23 to June 29, law enforcement descended on hot spots across all five districts with roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, compliance inspections, and high-visibility patrols forming part of the wide-reaching operation. 

Offenders were nabbed for a range of serious crimes, including murder, rape, armed robbery, illegal firearms, drug possession, and drunk driving.

Police also launched raids on illegal liquor outlets, closing 15 unlicensed establishments. The crackdown extended to second-hand dealers, scrapyards, farms and informal businesses. In one notable seizure, copper cable believed to be stolen and worth nearly R280,000 was recovered.

Roadside operations proved equally active, with 13,114 individuals and 7,557 vehicles searched during the week. Numerous arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, while detectives simultaneously tracked down suspects who had failed to appear in court or were wanted on outstanding warrants.

As part of the multi-pronged approach, SAPS also joined forces with other government departments and community policing structures to host awareness programmes tackling youth involvement in crime, substance abuse, and gender-based violence.

Northern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola joined the boots-on-the-ground efforts in the ZF Mgcawu District and praised the strong partnership between government departments and community structures that made the operation a success. 

She added that the province can expect more of these high-impact crackdowns as part of a broader strategy to reclaim crime-ridden areas and restore public safety.