Kimberley - Sunday, 26 November 2023: The Northern Cape SAPS multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela remains consistent in putting more boots on the ground during the Safer Festive Season Operations in its quest to squeeze crime in all hot spot areas throughout the province.
The disruptive actions across the province commenced on Thursday, 23 November 2023 and concluded on Sunday, 26 November 2023.
The police and other law enforcement agencies executed 8300 actions that included, random stop and searches of 3690 persons and 1661 vehicles, 1330 high visibility patrols, vehicle check points, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second hand goods dealers and scrapyards, compliance inspections at firearm dealers and visits to spaza shops.
During the operations, 178 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of drugs, robbery, assaults, housebreaking and theft, malicious damage to property, assault GBH driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the detention of illegal immigrants.
The Detectives traced and arrested 143 daily wanted suspects who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, house robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of a firearm.
The police actions also focused on the confiscation of dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, alcohol, cash and vehicles were confiscated, while tuck shops were also raided and expired items removed and destroyed.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies, Community Police Forums and Community in Blue Patrollers that led to the arrest of the criminals. He also appreciated the efforts of police members and reiterated the SAPS is ready to keep the province safe, secure and peaceful during this Festive Season and beyond.