OperationShanela2, the ongoing multi-disciplinary high-density operation, conducted in the Northern Cape the past week commencing on Monday, 4 August 2025, until Sunday, 10 August 2025 remained focused and intentional in reducing contact and violent crimes in identified hotspots, resulting in multiple successes, including the arrest of 338 suspects.
The operation involved a range of proactive policing actions, including vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, and interventions targeting drug and commodity smuggling.
Across the province, several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted, during which a total of 5 337 vehicles and 14 326 individuals were stopped and searched.
Police executed multiple compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, private security companies, firearm dealerships, formal and informal businesses, and farms. These inspections resulted in the closure of 30 unlicensed liquor outlets.
Operational successes included the arrest of 338 suspects for various offences such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary, illegal possession of firearms, malicious damage to property, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illicit mining, theft of motor vehicles, theft from motor vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, robbery, and contravention of immigration laws.
Numerous wanted suspects were traced and apprehended during tracing operations for evading court appearances and violating court orders.
Under the auspices of Operation Shanela 2, Operation Basadi was executed in observance of Women’s Month, resulting in the confiscation of significant quantities of alcoholic beverages, the removal of drugs and dangerous weapons from the streets, and the seizure of cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
Law enforcement officers also visited schools across the province, conducting school safety raids and sharing crime-prevention tips, including awareness on different forms of bullying.
Female officers in all five districts also led Operation Basadi operations and actions in celebration of Women’s Month showcasing the strides made by women in law enforcement assisted by their male colleagues.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for their continued collaboration in combating crime during Women’s Month and beyond. She also appreciated community members for their continuous support and for sharing valuable information with the police.
