Operation Shanela leads to over 300 arrests in Northern Cape

The weekly South African Police Service Operation Shanela in the Northern Cape has led to the arrest of over 300 criminals in the past week for various crimes including dealing in drugs, murder and assault.

Police worked with various government departments arresting wanted criminals who evaded court appearances.

Police spokesperson Thabo Litabe says the operation resulted in confiscation of among others cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, stolen copper cables, dangerous weapons, drugs and the recovery of suspected stolen items.

“These activities resulted in the arrest of 302 suspects for various offences, including dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, business robbery, murder, attempted murder, common assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), burglary at residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

In addition, detectives across the five districts conducted tracing operations, which led to the arrest of 152 wanted suspects for various offences for which they had been evading court appearances.” #sapsNC [SHANELA II OPERATIONS RESULT IN HUNDREDS OF ARRESTS IN THE NORTHERN CAPE] #SAPS in the Northern Cape, together with their counterparts from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, conducted #OperationShanela II operations across the province from… pic.twitter.com/nrv3ur9MXA — SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) August 23, 2026