Taking aim at priority crimes, the Northern Cape police executed high-density operations across the Province this week under the banner of Operation Shanela. The operation resulted in the arrest of 179 suspects, including 121 wanted suspects who had been evading police capture.
TAKING aim at priority crimes, the Northern Cape police executed high-density operations across the Province this week under the banner of Operation Shanela.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 179 suspects, including 121 wanted suspects who had been evading police capture.
The suspects, according to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, were wanted in connection with serious crimes such as murder, assault GBH, drug-related offences, robbery and attempted murder.
The operation involved multi-disciplinary teams conducting roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and high-visibility patrols across the Province, during which 6,195 individuals and 3,015 vehicles were stopped and searched.
In addition, compliance inspections were carried out at various businesses including second-hand goods dealers, firearm dealers and liquor outlets. This led to the closure of 11 unlicensed liquor outlets.
The operation also saw high-visibility patrols in rural areas, with several farms and mines being visited, while disruptive actions led to the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor, drugs and dangerous weapons.
As part of the operation, several awareness campaigns were also conducted across the Province to address priority crimes. In Pampierstad, a stakeholder meeting was held, attended by representatives from the Department of Health, the National Prosecuting Authority, immigration officers, the Community Policing Forum and Youth Against Crime.
The police also visited an Old Age Home in Galeshewe, engaging with residents about domestic violence and crimes against the elderly.
Further awareness campaigns were held in Deben and Siyathemba, focusing on gender-based violence (GBV) crimes and drug and alcohol abuse.
An integrated awareness campaign was conducted in Tsineng to address GBV-related crimes, substance abuse, human trafficking, and teenage pregnancy.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude towards all commanders, police members and relevant stakeholders who contributed to the successes achieved, as well as to local communities for their co-operation.
