Zero tolerance policing in the Northern Cape resulted in the arrest of 163 individuals during a weeklong #OperationShanela 2 that commenced on Monday, 27 April 2026 and concluded on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
Disruptive actions and coordinated interventions aimed at combating crime in identified hotspots were executed in all five districts in the province.
During the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 2 950 individuals and 1 365 vehicles were also searched.
Operational actions included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks.
Detectives conducted tracing operations that resulted in the arrest of several wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences.
Compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation.
As a result several unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations.
In total, 163 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, property related crimes, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons and copper cables were confiscated during the operations.
Additionally, several events commemorating Freedom Day and Workers’ Day were successfully policed with no serious incidents reported.
The Provincial and District management, welcomed the successful results of the operation and commended the multi-agency collaboration that ensured that law and order is maintained and communities are safe.
