Operation Shanela squeezes the space for criminals in the Northern Cape province, 261 suspects nabbed

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape

KIMBERLEY – Northern Cape police were out in full force during the execution of Operation Shanela with the focus on illegal firearms, contact crimes, especially murder and rape, trio crimes, and aggravating robbery.

Police actions were executed in problematic areas, which included crime intelligence driven operations, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, and stop and search actions.

During the weeklong operation, 261 suspects were arrested for serious crimes, including illegal possession of a firearm, dealing in drugs, dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, aggravating robbery, attempted murder, assault GBH and burglary.

This includes the arrest of 91 wanted suspects who were traced and apprehended by detectives.  The suspects were arrested after alluding law enforcement for crimes ranging from business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.

A total of 7249 persons and 3882 vehicles were stopped and searched during the actions.

Ten (10) unlicensed liquor outlets were closed during compliance inspections, and hundreds of litres of alcohol were confiscated.

The disruptive actions resulted in the confiscation of copper cable, dangerous weapons, firearms, and a significant amount of drugs, such as dagga, Tik and Mandrax.

In an effort to address priority crimes, several awareness campaigns were held, including searches at schools, sexual offences awareness, children in conflict with the law, and gender based violence.

Forthcoming disruptive actions will include the execution of Operation Basadi to acknowledge Women’s Month and create awareness regarding crimes against women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Communities are commended for reporting valuable information that led to the arrest of perpetrators and to continue aiding the police by exposing criminals.

Ends

Enquiries:
Colonel Cherelle Ehlers
082 448 5179

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapoliceservice_za/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceService
Website: www.saps.gov.za