A total of 78 suspects were arrested for various crimes, ranging from murder to dealing in drugs, during a multi-disciplinary operation that was conducted by the Northern Cape police.
A TOTAL of 78 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, burglary, theft out of motor vehicle, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and illegal possession of a firearm during Operation Shanela – a multi-disciplinary programme that was conducted by the Northern Cape police from September 7 to 10.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said alcoholic beverages and numerous dangerous weapons were confiscated, while several suspects were arrested in the Namakwa District after drugs were discovered hidden in vehicle tyres.
Actions and police activities executed during the operation included vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and drugs and other commodities smuggling and tracing operations by detectives.
“Activities included 28 vehicle checkpoints and seven roadblocks that were held across the Province during which 2,855 vehicles and 4,141 persons were stopped and searched,” said Sam.
“Compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, firearm dealers, liquor premises, formal and informal businesses and mines.”
The provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, said that crime and violence placed a heavy burden on the criminal justice system and the health-care system and drained state resources.
