Police in the Northern Cape have arrested some 429 suspects during the weekly Safer Festive Season operations - a continuation of Operation Shanela.
According to a police statement, SA Police Service members arrested the suspects on a range of charges, including illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, house breaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Numerous vehicle control points and static roadblocks were conducted across the province on all national and secondary roads, during which 6368 vehicles were stopped and 16 988 persons were searched.
“Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises. Mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited. During the operations the police confiscated firearms, cellphones, dangerous weapons, large volumes of alcoholic beverages, mandrax, tik, dagga and money believed to be proceeds of crime,” the statement read.
Furthermore, a zero-tolerance approach will be taken this New Year’s Eve.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly during New Year celebrations and beyond.
“She reiterated that a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted and the abuse and misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated. Crimes committed against women and children will be vigorously policed. Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings and pleasure resorts,” the statement said.
Communities are also urged to adhere to by-laws “pertaining to the discharging of fireworks and illegal spinning as all perpetrators will face the full might of the law”.
“Road safety will be prioritised and motorists are warned that they can expect to be detained if found transgressing the rules of the road. The authority of the state will be stamped down as we head into 2025,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
