Operation Shanela II: One week, 206 arrests, zero tolerance

IN A WEEK-long offensive against crime, the Northern Cape police arrested 206 suspects during Operation Shanela II. The law enforcement blitz, carried out from July 14 to 20, spanned all five districts of the province and targeted everything from violent crime to illicit liquor outlets.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the operation, backed by a multi-disciplinary strategy and led by district commissioners, deployed roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, patrols, and stop-and-search actions across urban centres and rural towns. More than 10,000 people and over 5,300 vehicles were stopped and searched, yielding arrests for a range of serious offences including murder, rape, armed assault, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession.

The police also cracked down on illegal liquor sales, shutting down 26 unlicensed alcohol vendors. In parallel, compliance checks were carried out at second-hand shops, scrapyards, farms, and both formal and informal businesses.

Mandela Day on July 18 marked a symbolic high point in the operation, as police intensified their presence across all districts to tackle gender-based violence, contact crimes, extortion, drug-related offences, and vehicle-related crimes. Simultaneous operations sent a strong message: the crackdown is far from over.

Detectives also focused on tracking down wanted suspects who failed to appear in court or had warrants out for their arrest. Raids led to the seizure of large quantities of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, illegal firearms, and cash suspected to be linked to criminal activity.

Alongside the hard policing, authorities hosted community outreach events and educational programmes to address youth involvement in crime, substance abuse, and domestic violence — aiming to reinforce that this is not just a show of force, but a strategic push to stabilise vulnerable communities.

Northern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola praised the strong collaboration with government departments and community groups that helped drive the success of the recent operations.

She also made it clear that the pressure will continue. Hotspot areas can expect intensified patrols and operations aimed at keeping the momentum going.