The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape is continuing its efforts to address crime through Operation Shanela II.
The most recent phase of the operation, conducted from Monday, 25 August to Sunday, 31 August, resulted in the arrest of 308 individuals.
The operation included vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search activities, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, and targeted interventions aimed at curbing drug trafficking and illicit goods smuggling.
During the week-long initiative, police stopped and searched 3 546 vehicles and 6 663 individuals.
Compliance inspections were also carried out at various premises, including second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms, and mining sites.
The arrests were related to a range of offences, such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary, theft, possession of unlicensed ammunition, malicious damage to property, illegal liquor trading, possession of dangerous weapons, driving under the influence, drug-related offences, illicit mining, stock theft, and immigration violations.
According to a SAPS statement, several individuals wanted for outstanding warrants and violations of court orders were also apprehended. Police confiscated quantities of alcohol, drugs, and cash suspected to be linked to criminal activity.
In addition to enforcement efforts, awareness campaigns addressing women’s empowerment and gender-based violence were conducted across the province. These initiatives were undertaken in partnership with the SAPS Women’s Network, Men for Change, and community policing forums.
Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, acknowledged the contributions of all law enforcement agencies involved and highlighted the importance of cooperation between the police, communities, and the private sector in combating crime. — SAnews.gov.za
