Safer Festive Season: Operation Shanela II remains steadfast in the fight against crime

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape and stakeholders conducted intelligence-driven and targeted Safer Festive Season operations under Operation Shanela II, resulting in the arrest of 360 suspects for various criminal offences.

During the operations, SAPS members confiscated alcoholic beverages, ammunition, cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime, dangerous weapons, diamonds, drugs, and a firearm.

These weekly high-density, multi-disciplinary operations were conducted from Monday, 08 December 2025, to Sunday, 14 December 2025, across all five districts of the province.

As part of the disruptive actions, 3 981 motor vehicles were stopped and 7 932 persons were searched during numerous roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points (VCPs).

Compliance inspections were carried out at farms, mines, formal and informal businesses, and second-hand goods dealers.  Seventeen (17)  unlicensed liquor outlets were closed.

Detectives conducted tracing operations to locate perpetrators who have been evading arrest for a range of crimes.

During the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in the ZF Mgcawu District on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reassured community members of SAPS’ continued commitment to ensuring their safety.   She further encouraged communities to break the silence by reporting criminal activities and commended the multi-disciplinary teams for their dedication to keeping the Northern Cape and its communities safe.

Community engagement and awareness programmes, and crime-prevention disruptive actions will continue as the Christmas period approaches and beyond to ensure the sustainable safety of all inhabitants and visitors to the province.