Operation Shanela 2: Disruptive actions reassures a safer festive season in the Northern Cape

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Combatting crime through decisive police and robust community involvement over the festive season and beyond led to a multitude of operations being executed across the province.

These disruptive actions were executed through targeted intelligence driven operations,  enhanced and heightened visibility patrols, by multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams, and community involvement from Monday, 20 October 2025 until Sunday, 26 October 2025.

Police blue light and foot patrols conducted in crime hotspot areas led to the stopping and searching of 2560 motor vehicles, and searching 4914 persons at numerous roadblocks and vehicle check points (VCP) conducted in the five districts, namely Frances Baard, John Taolo Gaetsewe,  ZFM,  Namakwa and Pixley Ka-Seme.

Police apprehended and arrested 290 suspects for various crimes, including

dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor,  possession of drugs, murder,  rape, assault and burglary.

Detectives also conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who were evading arrest.

Drugs, dangerous weapons, and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were confiscated during the operations.

Compliance inspections were conducted at farms, mines, formal and informal businesses, liquor outlets, and second-hand goods dealers.

On Thursday,  23 October 2025 the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola  together with the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison,  Ms Limakatso Koloi officially launched the Safer Festive Season Operation in Sunrise in De Aar under the theme: Combatting crime through decisive police  action and robust community involvement.

Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola reassured communities that police operations will continue unabated during this festive season and applauded all law enforcement teams for stamping the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all communities. She also urged communities to become robustly involved and report crime. She issued a stern warning to the community not to harbor and aid criminals, as they become complicit in crime as well.