By Phenyo Selinda
Kimberley, Northern Cape – In a concerted effort to clamp down on crime across the Northern Cape, a weeklong operation known as Operation Shanela led to the arrest of 277 suspects. This extensive operation, spearheaded by the Northern Cape police in collaboration with various government departments, targeted illegal firearms, violent crimes, and other criminal activities in the region.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, Operation Shanela was a coordinated effort involving the Traffic Department, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Department of Social Development, and Correctional Services. The operation focused on high crime areas, implementing disruptive actions such as roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, compliance inspections, and stop-and-search procedures.
“During the weeklong operation, 277 suspects were arrested for various offences, including murder, rape, attempted murder, robbery, and drug and alcohol-related offences,” said Colonel Ehlers. Among those arrested were three wanted suspects who had been successfully traced and apprehended by detectives, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against crime in the Northern Cape.
Operation Shanela saw the stopping and searching of 6,150 individuals and 2,317 vehicles, highlighting the scale of the operation. The police also closed down 15 unlicensed liquor outlets during compliance inspections, confiscating hundreds of litres of alcohol and destroying illegal concoctions in the process.
“These disruptive actions resulted in the confiscation of copper cables, cellphones, dangerous weapons, drugs such as cocaine, tik, mandrax tablets, and dagga, as well as illegal firearms,” confirmed Colonel Ehlers. The success of these efforts underscores the importance of continuous and visible policing in high-risk areas.
The timing of Operation Shanela coincided with the conclusion of Women’s Month, during which several actions under the banner of Operation Basadi were executed. These actions aimed to showcase the operational readiness of female police members while raising awareness about crimes against women, children, and other vulnerable groups. The Northern Cape police have reiterated their commitment to protecting these groups, stressing the importance of community cooperation in reporting crime and aiding police efforts.
Colonel Ehlers commended the local communities for their vital role in the operation. “Communities are commended for reporting valuable information that led to the arrest of perpetrators and are encouraged to continue aiding the police by exposing criminals,” she stated.
The Northern Cape has seen a surge in law enforcement activities aimed at curbing the prevalence of violent crimes, particularly in rural and urban areas plagued by illegal firearms and substance abuse. The success of Operation Shanela is a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative policing efforts and the critical role of community involvement in crime prevention.
As Operation Shanela concludes, the Northern Cape police remain vigilant, with ongoing investigations expected to lead to further arrests. The public is urged to remain proactive in reporting criminal activities, ensuring that the region continues to be a safer place for all its residents.
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