THE NORTHERN Cape police have intensified their efforts to stamp out crime, with Operation Shanela delivering another blow to lawbreakers across the province. Over the past week, the high-density police crackdown resulted in 256 arrests and the seizure of weapons, drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, and livestock.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that the week-long operation, which ran from February 24 to March 2, saw law enforcement teams conduct sweeping raids across all five districts. Officers set up vehicle checkpoints, executed stop-and-searches, tracked down wanted suspects, and bolstered police visibility in high-crime areas.

During the operation, nearly 3,000 vehicles and over 7,000 individuals were stopped and searched.

A significant bust took place in Van Zylsrus, where two men, aged 36 and 38, were caught with bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R19,000 in a VW Polo during a routine checkpoint.

The crackdown also extended to inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, firearm dealers, and farms to ensure compliance with regulations. Community awareness campaigns were held alongside enforcement actions to engage residents in crime prevention efforts.

Among those arrested were suspects linked to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, armed robbery, drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, stock theft, and driving under the influence.

The police also apprehended undocumented individuals and confiscated significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, fuel, copper, and cash believed to be linked to criminal activities.

Northern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola commended law enforcement agencies for their co-ordinated efforts during the operation. She emphasised that combating crime is a collective responsibility, requiring strong collaboration between the police, community structures, and external partners to ensure no one is left behind in the fight for a safer province.

General Otola called on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity immediately. Residents can assist in the fight against crime by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS app for anonymous tips.

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Operation Shanela: Massive Police success with 241 serious crime arrests

From dagga busts to murder arrests: SAPS operation nabs 256 suspects in Northern Cape