Operation Shanela, the weekly multi-disciplinary high-density operation, commenced from Monday, 15 April 2024 until Sunday, 21 April 2024 with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots.
Actions and police activities executed during the disruptive actions included, vehicle check points (VCP’s), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, smuggling of drugs and other commodities.
Vehicle check points (VCP’s) and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2270 vehicles and 4617 persons were stopped and searched.
Police executed several actions which included numerous compliance inspections at secondhand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.
382 suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, illicit mining, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of suspected stolen stock, undocumented illegal immigrants, possession of precious metals as well as illegal dealing in liquor that resulted in the closure of 10 liquor outlets.
143 wanted suspects were traced and arrested by detectives for evading court appearances and contravening court orders.
The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages and non ferrous metal items during inspections.
Police also seized a large amount of drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing during different raids and operations across the province.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola indicated that the success of Operation Shanela is due to the support of various communities and the multi-disciplinary approach with several role players and we will unabatedly continue to combat any unlawful actions and ensure special care to victims of GBVF.
The SAPS invites the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.
Northern Cape police arrested 525 suspects through Operation Shanela https://t.co/qF963tMxtH#ArriveAlive #TrioCrimes #Operation @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/Qf1gDU6Q7V
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 21, 2024