#OperationShanela2 delivered a major victory in KuGompo City, with 25 undocumented foreign nationals arrested and 17 drunken driving cases recorded during the night of 17 to 18 April 2026.
Under the overall command of the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, with the District Commissioner of Buffalo City District, Major General Christopher Wright, as operational commander, a force comprising of South African Police Service members, Provincial Traffic officers, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, and officials from the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, was deployed across the BCM District.
The operation ran from 21:00 on 17 April 2026 to 03:00 on 18 April 2026. The MEC for Community Safety, Mr Xolile Nqata, was also present during the operation.
In the field, members visited eight problematic registered liquor outlets in Duncan Village and KuGompo City. A compliance post-inspection was conducted, and no compliance notices were issued.
One vehicle checkpoint was established. 180 persons were searched, and 70 vehicles were stopped. Patrols covered three malls, nineteen ATMs, four taxi ranks, two railway stations, two retail centres, eight filling stations, and eight key points. Two drug premises were also searched.
The Department of Home Affairs Immigration unit checked 30 undocumented foreign nationals. Following verification, 25 of them were arrested.
In KuGompo, 17 motorists were arrested for drunken driving. One suspect was arrested for possession of ammunition. Another was arrested for possession of drugs. A further suspect was charged with failing to safeguard a firearm. In Kidds Beach, one person was arrested for possession of drugs. Recoveries included drugs, ammunition, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata said that Operation Shanela II continues to prove that there is no sanctuary for lawlessness in the Eastern Cape. He praised the multidisciplinary approach, especially the immigration enforcement that led to the arrest of twenty five undocumented persons, and warned that those who drive under the influence or possess illegal items will be arrested.
Mr Xolile Nqata, MEC for Community Safety, commended the men and women in blue for their dedication and visible policing, stating that such integrated operations send a strong message that crime will not be tolerated across the province.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the East London Magistrates Court soon.
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