The South African Police Service’s Operation Shanela has netted 297 suspects in the Northern Cape.

The suspects, who were arrested last week, were nabbed for a variety of crimes including trio crimes (robbery at non-residential premises, mainly small businesses; robbery at residential premises and carjacking), contact crimes, drug and alcohol related offences and property related crimes.

Of the 297 suspects, 136 are wanted persons arrested by detectives during tracing operations.

The suspects were arrested for the commission of serious crimes, including aggravated robbery, attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] and robbery.

Roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and high visibility patrols were executed, whereby 4 432 persons and 2 366 vehicles were stopped and searched.

Compliance inspections were conducted at second hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, formal and informal businesses and liquor outlets, resulting in the closure of five unlicensed outlets and the confiscatio
n of a significant amount of liquor and gambling machines.

High visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas, where several farms and mines were visited.

The actions resulted in the confiscation of a considerable amount of liquor, drugs and dangerous weapons.

Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude towards all the commanders and members who contributed to the successes achieved, as well as the communities for their cooperation.

Source: South African Government News Agency