Northern Cape Police Arrest 429 Suspects In Safer Festive Season Operations

Police in the Northern Cape have arrested 429 suspects as part of their weekly Safer Festive Season operations, which continue under Operation Shanela.

According to a police statement, the arrests were made for various crimes, including illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illegal mining, murder, rape, illegal liquor dealing, drug trafficking, assaults, damage to property, breaking protection orders, housebreaking, theft from 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," as per the official statement, SA News reported.

It added, "Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises. Mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited."

During the operations, police seized firearms, cellphones, dangerous weapons, large amounts of alcohol, mandrax, tik, dagga, and money believed to be from criminal activities. Furthermore, a zero-tolerance approach will be enforced this New Year's Eve.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that operations will continue throughout the New Year celebrations and beyond. She emphasized that the misuse of alcohol and crimes against women and children will be strictly monitored.

Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings, and recreational areas. Communities are urged to follow by-laws regarding fireworks and illegal spinning, as those who break the rules will face legal consequences.

Road safety will be a top priority, and motorists are warned they could be detained if they break traffic laws. Authorities will take strong action as they move into 2025.

Ahead of the New Year, Deputy Minister for Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa welcomed the 123 newly graduated traffic officers and 56 road safety officers, highlighting that they are key to ensuring safety on the roads and play an important role in reducing accidents, saving lives and promoting respect and responsibility among road users.

Last month, the South African Police Service revealed there has been a massive decrease in certain categories of crimes, including murder, robbery and carjacking, between July 1 and Sept. 30. There was an overall 5.1% drop in 17 serious crimes reported by the community. Meanwhile, contact crimes fell by 3%, property-related crimes dropped by 9.9% and other serious crimes decreased by 3.4%.