Northern Cape on lockdown: Massive arrests in crime crackdown

Cape Town – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has made 308 arrests as part of its ongoing efforts to combat crime during Operation Shanela II.

The week-long operation, which took place from 25 to 31 August, involved extensive searches of both people and vehicles. Police officers conducted inspections on 3,546 vehicles and 6,663 individuals across the province.

Authorities said the operation aimed to target criminal activity and ensure public safety, though they did not immediately provide a breakdown of the types of offences for which the suspects were arrested.

SAPS officials have said that such operations will continue as part of a broader strategy to reduce crime in the Northern Cape.

According to SAPS, 189 of those arrested during the last weekend of Women’s Month were alleged perpetrators of gender-based violence.

“These suspects were arrested by the detectives in the province, during the tracing of wanted suspects, as part of #OperationShanela II.

“They were wanted for crimes that include rape, sexual assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,” said SAPS.

Parallel investigations were also led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni in Sebokeng, Sedibeng District, while District Commissioners in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, West Rand, carried out similar operations to reduce road accidents caused by drunk driving and ensure road users’ safety.

The police conducted roadblocks which led to 113 people being arrested for drunk driving.

Operation Shanela remains focused in clamping down on crime in the Northern Capehttps://t.co/zcLhD0wPpW#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/ZRFg9s7eVU

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 31, 2025

As reported by Truck and flight the arrests were related various crimes including:

“Attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary, theft, illegal possession of ammunition, malicious damage to property, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft out of motor vehicle, possession and dealing in drugs, illicit mining,stock theft as well as undocumented immigrants,” reported Truck and Flight.

Numerous campaigns promoting women’s emancipation and addressing gender-based violence were launched across the province, in partnership with the #WomensNetwork, #MenForChange, and local community policing structures.