Northern Cape police operation leads to 1,416 arrests in festive crime fight

More than 1,400 suspects were arrested across the Northern Cape during a week-long high-density police operation aimed at clamping down on crime during the festive season, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Sunday.

According to SAPS Northern Cape, Operation Shanela 2 was conducted from Monday, December 22 to Sunday, December 28, 2025, and involved coordinated actions by senior officers from the Provincial Office, District Commissioners and Station Commanders.

police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe says the integrated operation resulted in the arrest of a total of 1,416 suspects for a range of criminal offences. SAPS members, working alongside other government departments and stakeholders, carried out extensive vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, patrols, compliance inspections, tracing operations and stop-and-search actions.

A number of unlicensed liquor outlets were also shut down.

During the operation, police searched 27,449 individuals, 133 premises and 8,981 vehicles, while 14 tracing operations were conducted to target suspects wanted for various crimes.

In a separate incident linked to the operation, two men aged 30 and 37 were arrested in Springbok in the Namakwa District on Tuesday, 23 December 2025.

“The suspects were charged with contravening the Biodiversity Act” after police found them in possession of a significant quantity of endangered species, Litabe said.

The coordinated efforts across all districts also led to the confiscation of large quantities of liquor, cellphones, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities. Various illegal drugs were also seized.

Litabe said law enforcement operations would continue across the province.

“Law enforcement operations will continue unabated, with strict enforcement of all applicable laws to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors to the Northern Cape during the festive season and beyond,” he said.

SAPS management in the province has thanked its partners for their support.

“SAPS management in the province extends its appreciation to all stakeholders within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster for their valuable contribution and continued support in the fight against crime,” Litabe said.

He also acknowledged the role of local communities, adding that appreciation was extended to Community Policing Forums “for the vital and commendable role they continue to play in enhancing community safety and crime prevention across the province.”

IOL News