Operation Shanela, the weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on Monday, 02 September 2024 until Sunday, 08 September 2024 continues to squeeze the space for criminals to operate in the province.

With the focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 630 persons.

Police actions and activities executed during the operations included, weekly vehicle check points (VCP’s), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling.

Numerous VCP’s and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 3 240 vehicles and 5 784 persons were stopped and searched.

12 664 compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, mines, formal and informal businesses as well as farms were conducted.

Numerous operational successes were achieved, including the arrest of 198 suspects for an array of crimes including murder, attempted murder, assault, malicious damage to property, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing and possession of drugs, stock theft as well as undocumented illegal immigrants.

The police in Upington successfully arrested 2 suspects for possession of dagga worth over R3 million and in an unrelated matter confiscated over 2 million rands worth of illicit cigarettes stored and sold at a wholesale in Upington.

432 Wanted suspects were traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.

The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, a vehicle and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period.

The collaboration with external role-players players is pivotal in the joint fight in combating and preventing crime.

She also commended and appreciated the community for their ongoing support and sharing of information with the police.