256 suspects arrested as Operation Shanela sweeps Northern Cape
AS THE NORTHERN Cape steps into 2025, law enforcement has wasted no time in making its presence felt. Operation Shanela, the province’s high-intensity crime-fighting initiative, has kicked off the year with a crackdown on contact and violent crimes.
According to provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, the latest edition of this multi-disciplinary operation, running from Monday, January 27, to Sunday, February 2, and deployed in all five districts, resulted in the arrest of 256 suspects and the seizure of contraband worth hundreds of thousands of rand.
Sweeping Actions Across the Province
Led by the Northern Cape SAPS in collaboration with multiple enforcement agencies, Operation Shanela saw a relentless pursuit of crime across urban and rural areas. A combination of vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, and compliance inspections at businesses, scrapyards, firearm dealerships, farms, and second-hand dealerships formed part of this week-long blitz.
• Over 5,226 vehicles and 13,155 individuals were stopped and searched at key checkpoints.
• Compliance checks ensured that businesses dealing in second-hand goods, liquor, firearms, and recycling adhered to legal requirements.
• Intelligence-driven raids and detective work targeted known criminals and fugitives dodging court appearances.
Operation’s Biggest Wins
The week’s efforts bore impressive results, with law enforcement dismantling illicit activities and bringing suspects to justice:
• Massive drug busts: Authorities intercepted and confiscated illegal drugs worth over R120,000 in one raid, while another operation in Springbok led to the seizure of narcotics valued at over R700,000.
• Copper cable crackdown: A maroon Renault Clio, stuffed with stolen copper cables and military uniforms, was intercepted before it could disappear into the underground market.
• Hitchhiker gone wrong: In a bizarre twist, a hitchhiker in Strydenburg leapt off a truck - only to be caught with a bag full of dagga.
• Stolen wheels recovered: A vehicle stolen from Batlharos in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District was tracked down and recovered in Danielskuil before it could be sold off.
• Dangerous weapons removed: Community crime-fighting groups, including the Galaletsang Section patrollers in Mothibistad, played a key role in confiscating weapons used in violent crimes.
Criminals Behind Bars
The operation led to the arrest of 256 individuals linked to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, robbery, rape, malicious damage to property, illegal liquor trade, driving under the influence, drug dealing, and stock theft. Many of these suspects had been on the run, dodging justice - until now.
A Stern Warning from the Top
The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, commended all law enforcement agencies involved in the operation, applauding their relentless pursuit of justice.
She affirmed that the SAPS will continue “stamping the authority of the state” to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the Northern Cape.”
With Operation Shanela gaining momentum, the message to criminals is loud and clear - there is no room for lawlessness in the Northern Cape.
