SAPS in Northern Cape Continues Efforts to Address Crime Through Operation Shanela II

As part of its ongoing efforts to combat crime, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has conducted another phase of Operation Shanela II, resulting in the arrest of 308 individuals between August 25 and August 31. The operation included a range of activities, including vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search activities, and compliance inspections, aimed at curbing drug trafficking and illicit goods smuggling. During the week-long initiative, police stopped and searched 3,546 vehicles and 6,663 individuals, and arrested individuals wanted for outstanding warrants and violations of court orders.

Key Takeaways:

• 308 individuals were arrested during the operation, including those wanted for outstanding warrants and violations of court orders.
• The operation included vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search activities, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, and targeted interventions aimed at curbing drug trafficking and illicit goods smuggling.
• Police stopped and searched 3,546 vehicles and 6,663 individuals during the week-long initiative.
• Compliance inspections were carried out at various premises, including second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms, and mining sites.
• The arrests were related to a range of offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary, theft, possession of unlicensed ammunition, malicious damage to property, illegal liquor trading, possession of dangerous weapons, driving under the influence, drug-related offences, illicit mining, stock theft, and immigration violations.
• Police confiscated quantities of alcohol, drugs, and cash suspected to be linked to criminal activity.
• Awareness campaigns addressing women's empowerment and gender-based violence were conducted across the province in partnership with the SAPS Women's Network, Men for Change, and community policing forums.

Statistics:

• 308 individuals were arrested during the week-long operation.
• 3,546 vehicles and 6,663 individuals were stopped and searched by police.
• Compliance inspections were carried out at 1,112 premises, including second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms, and mining sites.
• The arrests were related to a range of 27 offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary, theft, possession of unlicensed ammunition, malicious damage to property, and others.
• Police confiscated R580 000 in cash, 1,752kg of dagga, and 123 bottles of liquor suspected to be linked to criminal activity.

Sources:

• SAnews.gov.za: "SAPS Northern Cape continues efforts to address crime"