Police in the Northern Cape say they have arrested 191 suspects for various crimes during the Shanela operation, which started on Monday last week.

Suspects include those allegedly involved in murder, rape, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, among others.

A number of individuals were fined for operating illegal shebeens.

Police spokesperson Timothy Sam says suspects will appear in different magistrates’ courts in the province.

“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drug and other commodities smuggling. Several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 6116 vehicles and 11 499 persons were stopped and searched.”

#sapsNC #OperationShanela, the weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on Monday, 22/09 until Sunday, 28/09 remains intentional and focused on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in the Northern Cape. Operational successes achieved, included the… pic.twitter.com/uBt77MhwAz

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 28, 2025