The Northern Cape SAPS multi-disciplinary high-density Operation Shanela remains consistent in putting more boots on the ground during the Safer Festive Season Operations in its quest to squeeze crime in all hot spot areas throughout the province.
The disruptive actions across the province commenced on Monday, 02 December and concluded on Sunday, 08 December 2024.
The police and other law enforcement agencies executed numerous actions that included, random stop and searches of 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles.
Actions also included visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers and scrapyards, firearm dealers and visits to spaza shops.
During the operations, 247 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of drugs, robbery, assaults, housebreaking and theft, malicious damage to property, assault GBH driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the detention of illegal immigrants.
The SAPS detectives traced and arrested several daily wanted suspects who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, house robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of a firearm.
The police actions also focused on the confiscation of dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, alcohol, cash and vehicles were confiscated, while tuck shops were also raided and expired items removed and destroyed.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola accompanied the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, MEC Bentley Vass in the launching of the Safer Festive Operation Road Safety Campaign that was held in the ZF Mgcawu District on the 05 December 2024.
Lieutenant General Otola applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies, Community Police Forums and Community in Blue Patrollers that led to the arrest of the criminals. She also appreciated the efforts of police members and reiterated that SAPS is ready to keep the province safe, secure and peaceful during this Festive Season and beyond.
Operation Shanela is consistent in placing more boots on the ground to squeeze crime in the Northern Cape https://t.co/uDIBfWkg1l#ArriveAlive #TrioCrimes #Operation @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/yBZEYoFUVC
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 9, 2024
