From Monday (3/6) till Sunday Operation Shanela was executed throughout the five districts in the Northern Cape, focusing on priority crimes, including contact crimes, property-related crimes, drug-related crimes, and illegal firearms.

Roadblocks, car checkpoints, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, stop and search procedures, and property searches were some of the measures used during the week.

A total of 1,850 perpetrators were arrested, out of that number, 1,688 wanted suspects were arrested. Detectives conducting tracing operations for major offences such as business robbery, murder, rape, assault with GBH, and unlawful gun possession, apprehended the wanted suspects.

Police officials in the Northern Cape during a search operation. Picture: SAPS

The other apprehended were charged with possession of an illegal firearm, dealing in drugs, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH, burglary, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A total of four unlicensed liquor stores in the Northern Cape were closed and a sizeable amount of alcohol was confiscated. SAPS stopped a total of 5,941 persons and 2,798 vehicles were stopped and searched.

SAPS also seized a considerable amount of copper cable, drugs and cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime.

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In observance of Child Protection Week, over 6,000 learners were reached through multiple school visits throughout the province. Priority concerns were addressed, such as teenage pregnancy, bullying, sexual offences, drug misuse, and school discipline.

The operation occurred in the Free State and the North West the same week.

SAPS will continue with the operation this week to ensure priority crimes are addressed and perpetrators removed from the streets.

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