Kimberley - 07 August 2023: The multi-disciplinary high density police operations dubbed Operation Shanela executed from 31 July 2023 to 06 August 2023 resulted in the arrest of 278 suspects for various crimes. The suspects were arrested for offences including murder, business robbery, attempted murder, residential and business burglaries, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault common, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and malicious damage to property.
Of the 278 suspects,180 wanted suspects was apprehended by the detective teams in the five districts for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders with four (4) undocumented immigrants detained. Police executed numerous disruptive actions across the province which include, vehicle control points (VCP's), stop and searches, foot and blue light patrols, compliance inspections and tracing operations by detectives.
Numerous vehicle check points and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2 708 vehicles and 4 469 persons were stopped and searched during stop and search actions. Compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, liquor outlets and premises, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed with 38 Vehicle Check Points and 9 roadblocks conducted across the province.
During the disruptive actions, police confiscated a firearm and ammunition, drugs, dangerous weapons, large amounts of alcoholic beverages and homemade brew at shebeens and other liquor outlets that were in contravention of their liquor license.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola extended and appreciated all law enforcement agencies and external role players for actively participated in safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, communities from the threat of criminals. She also reiterated that SAPS remain resilient and steadfast in stabilising crime in the province.