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

KIMBERLEY - Operation Shanela, the weekly multi-disciplinary high-density operation which commenced from Sunday, 25 February 2024 until 03 March 2024, with a focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspots, nets 352 arrests.

Actions and police activities executed during the disruptive actions included, vehicle checkpoints (VCP's), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, focus on drugs and other commodities smuggling.

A total of 68 vehicle checkpoints (VCP's) and 20 roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 4 770 vehicles and 8 633 persons were stopped and searched.

Numerous compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed. Schools were also visited as part of the actions.

Operational successes achieved included:

• 210 suspects arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as undocumented persons.
• A vehicle that was reported to be transporting alleged stolen live stock from the Upington area was stopped on the N14 road outside Olifantshoek where 79 suspected stolen sheep to the value of R240 000.00 were recovered and four suspects arrested.
• 142 daily wanted suspects were traced by detectives and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravening court orders.
• The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, non-ferrous metal items and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
• In Upington police raided a warehouse and recovered counterfeit cigarettes valued at over R3 million.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola indicated that the success of Operation Shanela in the province is as a result of stakeholder collaboration. The robust involvement of the community in crime fighting endeavours is pivotal in dismantling criminal networks.

She acknowledges the role played by the SANDF, the Provincial and Municipal Traffic Departments, Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Community Police Forums, the Community in Blue Patrollers and sector neighbourhood groups.

She invites the public to rate the police efforts in fighting contact crimes by participating in the "RATE OUR SERVICE" online survey to assist the police in improving services.

Ends

Enquiries:

Sergeant Timothy Sam
082 494 9981

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