High-density Operation Shanela 2 reinforces state authority in Northern Cape
Operation Shanela 2 continues to boost safety in the Northern Cape, with SAPS arrests, school outreach, road operations and major drug seizures reinforcing state authority and coordinated efforts to combat crime across all five districts.
Image: SAPS
The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape continues to strengthen safety and security across all five districts through the ongoing High Density Operation Shanela 2, conducted alongside the safer festive season operations.
SAPS, working closely with external stakeholders, has maintained sustained pressure on criminal activity, ensuring that lawbreakers are identified, traced, and brought before the courts. The weekly operation, led by senior management at the provincial, district, and station levels, has included vehicle check points, roadblocks, stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects, and compliance inspections at both formal and informal businesses.
Dagga was removed from the streets during Operation Shanela.
Image: SAPS
As part of the broader crime prevention strategy, back-to-school campaigns have continued across the province. SAPS members, supported by Community Police Forums and other government departments and structures, visited schools within their respective policing precincts to engage with learners, educators, and parents on safety-related matters.
A total of 722 suspects were arrested for a wide range of offenses. These included dealing in drugs, illegal trading in alcohol, robbery, murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, residential and business burglaries, theft from and out of motor vehicles, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and contraventions of immigration laws.
The commitment of detectives also yielded significant results, with wanted suspects traced and arrested in all five districts. These individuals had been evading arrest for serious crimes such as murder, rape, assault causing grievous bodily harm, and the illegal possession of firearms.
SAPS officials are seen during Operation Shanela.
Image: Danie van der Lith
In a notable incident, swift action by members of the Springbok Highway Patrol led to the seizure of a large quantity of hydroponic cannabis on Thursday, 30 January 2026. Police responded to information about a suspicious parcel emitting a strong smell of cannabis at a local courier company. Upon inspection, officers discovered one large plastic bag, four medium plastic bags, and one small ziplock bag containing hydroponic cannabis. The drugs have an estimated street value of R105 600.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with provincial management, commended the dedication of SAPS members and the continued support of stakeholders. She praised their collective efforts in combating crime and upholding the rule of law throughout the province.