The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted widespread operations across the Northern Cape from 22 to 28 December 2025. These were part of the ongoing Operation Shanela 2, which aims to reduce crime through high-density visibility and enforcement.

Led by senior officers from the Provincial Office, District Commissioners, and Station Commanders, the coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of 1 416 suspects for various criminal offences.

The operation included:

• Vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks
• Compliance inspections at premises
• Stop-and-search operations
• Closure of unlicensed liquor outlets

In total, police searched 27 449 individuals, 133 premises, and 8 981 vehicles. They also carried out 14 targeted tracing operations to locate wanted suspects .

Endangered species seizure in Springbok

On 23 December, two men aged 30 and 37 were arrested in Springbok, Namakwa District. They were found in possession of a large quantity of endangered species.

Police confirmed the suspects were charged under the Biodiversity Act. The operation formed part of broader efforts to clamp down on environmental crimes during the festive season .

Weapons, drugs and cash confiscated

Throughout the province, SAPS officers also confiscated significant amounts of:

• Unlicensed liquor
• Illegal drugs
• Cellphones
• Dangerous weapons
• Cash linked to suspected criminal activity

These seizures formed part of efforts to disrupt illegal networks operating in the region .

Official source and further details

Full details of the operation are available via the SAPS newsroom:
🔗 https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php

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