Over 260 suspects nabbed as Operation Shanela II sweeps through Northern Cape

A SWEEPING police operation has netted 263 suspects across the Northern Cape, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) intensifying its festive season crackdown under Operation Shanela II.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the week-long operation, carried out between October 13 and 19, combined intelligence-driven investigations with visible policing across all five districts.

Teams from multiple specialised units and departments joined forces in stop-and-search operations, vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, and high-visibility patrols aimed at deterring criminals and maintaining law and order.

The police stopped and searched 7,831 individuals and 3,969 vehicles, along with several properties and business premises. In the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, officers also targeted long-distance passenger buses along national routes, inspecting luggage and passengers to clamp down on the transport of drugs and other illegal goods.

Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand dealers, scrapyards, farms, and both formal and informal businesses. These checks led to the closure of 26 unlicensed liquor premises for failing to meet legal requirements.

Officers arrested suspects for a range of crimes, including drug dealing, possession of narcotics, illegal liquor sales, robbery, attempted murder, burglary, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The police also confiscated a significant quantity of drugs, alcohol, stolen copper cables, and dangerous weapons.

Authorities said such targeted interventions are part of ongoing efforts to curb substance abuse and the possession of dangerous weapons — both of which are major contributors to violent crime.

In addition to enforcement actions, SAPS members conducted community outreach and awareness programmes to educate residents on emerging crime trends.

Colonel Ehlers emphasised that these successes were the result of strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies, government departments, and local communities, noting that “a safer society can only be realised through co-operative action.”

Operation Shanela II will continue in hot-spot areas across the province to maintain stability and strengthen public safety during the festive season and beyond.