Operation Shanela’s week-long crackdown in the Northern Cape resulted in the arrest of 547 suspects for various serious crimes, including drug dealing, illegal firearms possession and violent offences, as part of the SAPS’s intensified crime-fighting efforts.
OPERATION Shanela has made substantial strides in combating crime across the Northern Cape, achieving numerous successes once again during disruptive actions carried out from September 9 to 15.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock reported that the operation targeted priority crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal firearms, contact crimes, trio crimes and aggravated robbery. The initiative saw an increased police presence with intensified blue light patrols in hot-spot areas.
Multi-disciplinary teams across the five districts – Namaqua, Frances Baard, Pixley ka Seme, ZF Mgcawu and John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) – apprehended and arrested 231 suspects for various offences, including illegal possession of firearms, drug dealing, illegal liquor trading, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault and burglary.
In a notable incident on September 15, members of the Kuruman Public Order Policing unit arrested a 35-year-old man in Gantelang village, Kuruman, after discovering two unlicensed 9mm firearms and ammunition in his possession.
Detectives also traced and arrested 316 wanted suspects for serious crimes, including business robbery, murder, rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
The teams conducted searches at identified premises, stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols, compliance inspections, roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints. A total of 6,790 persons and 3,720 vehicles were stopped and searched.
Several unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down and a significant amount of alcohol was confiscated. Additionally, a substantial quantity of drugs, counterfeit goods and dangerous weapons were seized during the operations.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kock emphasised that through Operation Shanela, the police are fulfilling their constitutional duty to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the Northern Cape. He reaffirmed the commitment to act without fear, favour or prejudice to achieve their vision and restore community confidence in the SAPS.
