A fortified approach to combat prevalent crimes in the Northern Cape led to the arrest of 255 perpetrators during the execution of Operation Shanela 2 across all five districts in the province.
Fostering a multi-disciplinary approach led by District Commissioners, which entailed high visibility patrols, stop and search actions, roadblocks and vehicle check points led to the arrests between Monday, 23 June 2025 until Sunday, 29 June 2025
The teams inspected numerous liquor outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law, this led to the closure of fifteen unlicensed establishments.
Collaborative interaction with other relevant law enforcement agencies resulted in the searching of 7 557 vehicles and 13 114 persons at vehicle check points (VCP’s) and roadblocks, as well as high visibility patrols conducted across the province.
Several perpetrators were detained for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Suspects were arrested for serious crimes including, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, illegal possession of drugs, murder, rape, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and burglary.
Detectives also conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who failed to make court appearances or for whom warrants of arrests were issued.
Compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards. This led to the confiscation of a substantial amount of suspected stolen copper cable valued at approximately R 280 000-00.
During the execution of the operations, police confiscated a significant amount of alcohol, drugs, and illicit tobacco products.
Various community engagements and awareness programmes were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments to address prevalent crime trends, namely contact crimes, youth and crime and substance abuse
Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, who participated in operations in the ZF Mgcawu District, expressed sincere appreciation for the strong collaboration between various government departments and community structures in the successful execution of recent operations.
She reiterated that heightened and enhanced high-density operations will continue to target crime hotspots in the identified high crime areas across the province.
