Operation Shanela 2: Over 1,400 arrests in Northern Cape crackdown on crime
Operation Shanela 2 was conducted from Monday, December 22 to Sunday, December 28, 2025. The coordinated efforts across all districts also led to the confiscation of large quantities of liquor, cellphones, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities. Various illegal drugs were also seized during the operation.
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A coordinated police effort involving senior officers, district commanders and partner departments resulted in more than 1,400 arrests across the Northern Cape during a week-long high-density operation aimed at clamping down on festive season crime.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape, Operation Shanela 2 was conducted from Monday, December 22 to Sunday, December 28, 2025. The operation brought together senior officials from the Provincial Office, District Commissioners and Station Commanders, working alongside other government departments and stakeholders.
IOL's Wendy Dondolo reports that Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the integrated approach yielded significant results, with a total of 1,416 suspects arrested for a range of criminal offences across the province.
As part of the operation, SAPS members carried out extensive vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, patrols, compliance inspections, tracing operations and stop-and-search actions. A number of unlicensed liquor outlets were also shut down during the week.
Litabe said police searched 27,449 individuals, 133 premises and 8,981 vehicles. In addition, 14 tracing operations were conducted to locate and arrest suspects wanted for various crimes.
The coordinated efforts across all districts also led to the confiscation of large quantities of liquor, cellphones, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities. Various illegal drugs were also seized during the operation.
In one incident linked to Operation Shanela 2, two men aged 30 and 37 were arrested in Springbok in the Namakwa District on Tuesday, December 23. Litabe said the suspects were charged with contravening the Biodiversity Act after police found them in possession of a significant quantity of endangered species.
SAPS said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors during the festive season.
“Law enforcement operations will continue unabated, with strict enforcement of all applicable laws to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors to the Northern Cape during the festive season and beyond,” Litabe said.
SAPS management in the province also expressed appreciation to partner departments and community structures that supported the operation.
“SAPS management in the province extends its appreciation to all stakeholders within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster for their valuable contribution and continued support in the fight against crime,” added Litabe.
He also acknowledged the role of local communities, extending thanks to Community Policing Forums “for the vital and commendable role they continue to play in enhancing community safety and crime prevention across the province.”