Northern Cape: As festive season celebrations wind down, police in the Northern Cape continue to squeeze the space for criminals to operate. During week-long disruptive actions across all five districts in the province, a total of 230 suspects were arrested for crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, and illegal dealing in liquor.
According to South African Police Service, a zero-tolerance approach by the SAPS in collaboration with other government departments and law enforcement to address priority crimes resulted in these arrests and confiscation of drugs, alcohol, dangerous weapons, and money believed to be the proceeds of crime. In Kakamas, two suspects were arrested after dagga with an estimated value of R31,500 was found in their possession.
Disruptive actions included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions, which resulted in the search of 8,993 persons and 4,442 vehicles. A total of 13 arrests were executed for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers, leading to the closure of 20 unlicensed liquor outlets.
Traffic flow is expected to increase as holidaymakers return home. Hence, the SAPS urges all motorists to adhere to road traffic rules and to practice road safety at all times. Communities are encouraged to share valuable information and to continue aiding the police by reporting incidents via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111.