South Africa
Operation Shanela to maintain law and order in the Northern Cape─── EVA MOLEKANE 08:51 Tue, 21 Oct 2025
The police in the Northern Cape will continue to implement comprehensive strategies to address the anticipated risk of criminal activity associated with increased social activity during the festive season, through the execution of Operation Shanela.
Operation Shanela II is a strategic initiative to fortify national security, enhance public safety and bolster the integrity of law enforcement efforts nationwide. It aims to curtail the alarming murder rate, eradicate illegal firearms and drugs from communities and intensify efforts against gender-based violence and femicide.
All parties involved use an integrated strategy that combined visible patrols with intelligence-led actions, said provincial police spokesperson Col. Cherelle Ehlers. Roadblocks, high visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints, and stop and search operations are all used to combat crime.
The multi-disciplinary actions conducted from Monday, 13 September, until Sunday resulted in the arrest of 263 perpetrators. Most arrests were for drug-related crimes, including dealing in drugs and possession of drugs, the illegal possession of liquor, robbery, burglary, attempted murder, and gender-based violence.
“Operation Shanela II will be ongoing, and it will be in conjunction with the safer festive season operation, which will be officially launched by the MEC for transport safety and liaison, and the provincial commissioner on 23 October in De Aar,” said Ehlers.
Police urge residents to remain alert, practice responsible behavior during the festive period, and report any criminal activity through official channels like Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySaps app.
The police searching a bus during Operation Shanela. Photo supplied
At the launch of Transport Month in Danielskuil on Wednesday (15/10), police and key stakeholders committed to strengthening transport safety across the Northern Cape.
They pledged a unified and comprehensive approach aimed at improving transport systems and enhancing road safety throughout the province.
The police are dedicated to carrying out intelligence-driven operations, including vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks, emphasised provincial police commissioner Lt. Col. Koliswa Otola.
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OFM News/Eva Molekane dg cvs
