The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has executed several operations, including numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.
Operation Shanela, the weekly multi-disciplinary, high-density operation, commenced on Monday, 15 April to Sunday, 21 April 2024.
According to the police, the focus was on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots and the operation led to 525 arrests.
“Actions and police activities executed during the disruptive actions included, vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, smuggling of drugs and other commodities,” the SAPS explained.
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The police said VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province leading to 2 270 vehicles and 4 617 people stopped and searched.
Meanwhile, 382 suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious property damage, dealing and possession of drugs, illicit mining and possession of counterfeit goods.
Others who were detained included those who had 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.
In addition, 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.
VIEW | Police carry out crime reduction duties in the Northern Cape
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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 roleplayers.
The Commissioner said the police will continue to combat any unlawful actions and ensure that victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) are given special care and attention.
“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,” Otola added.
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