During Operation Shanela in the Northern Cape, the police, in collaboration with multiple government departments, executed a week-long crackdown in high-crime areas, leading to 277 arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms, drugs and other contraband.
THE NORTHERN Cape police, in collaboration with the Traffic Department, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Department of Social Development, and Correctional Services, recently mobilised in full force for Operation Shanela, targeting illegal firearms, murder, rape, trio crimes and aggravated robbery.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said that high-crime areas saw a range of disruptive actions, including roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, compliance inspections and stop-and-search operations.
Over the course of the week-long operation, 277 suspects were arrested for various offences, including murder, rape, attempted murder, robbery, and drug and alcohol-related crimes. Among those apprehended were three wanted suspects traced and arrested by detectives.
The operation saw a total of 6,150 individuals and 2,317 vehicles stopped and searched. Compliance inspections led to the closure of 15 unlicensed liquor outlets, with hundreds of litres of alcohol confiscated and illegal concoctions destroyed.
The police also seized copper cables, cellphones, dangerous weapons, illegal firearms and drugs including cocaine, tik, mandrax and dagga.
As Women’s Month concluded, several actions were executed under the auspices of Operation Basadi to showcase the operational readiness of female officers and raise awareness about crimes against women, children and vulnerable groups.
Colonel Ehlers said the community’s co-operation was instrumental in the success of these operations, with valuable information leading to the arrest of several perpetrators. She urged the public to report criminal activities to aid in maintaining safety and security.
