NORTHERN CAPE: Police in the Northern Cape have detained 429 individuals during the Safer Festive Season operations, an extension of Operation Shanela, on charges including illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, and other serious offenses.
According to South African Government News Agency, members of the South African Police Service apprehended suspects on a broad array of charges. These charges encompass illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing in drugs, being undocumented, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, housebreaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the operation, police conducted numerous vehicle control points and static roadblocks throughout the province on both national and secondary roads. A total of 6,368 vehicles were stopped, and 16,988 individuals were searched. Compliance inspections were carried out at second-hand dealers and liquor premises, with visits to mines, farms, and both formal and informal businesses. Confiscated items included firearms, cellphones, dangerous weapons, large volumes of alcoholic beverages, mandrax, tik, dagga, and money believed to be proceeds of crime.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that the operations will persist during the New Year celebrations and beyond. She emphasized a zero-tolerance approach, particularly concerning the abuse and misuse of alcohol, and crimes against women and children will be rigorously policed. Authorities will maintain heightened vigilance at parks, taverns, social gatherings, and pleasure resorts.
Communities are urged to comply with by-laws related to the discharging of fireworks and illegal spinning, with all violators facing legal action. Road safety remains a priority, and motorists are cautioned that transgressions of road rules will result in detention. As the province approaches 2025, law enforcement will continue to exert its authority firmly.