Over 200 suspects have been arrested in the Northern Cape for murder, rape, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of firearms and for dealing in drugs. The suspects were apprehended during week-long Operation Shanela across all five districts in the province.

Provincial Police Spokesperson, Cherelle Ehlers, says the police conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who failed to make court appearances.

A reaffirmed effort to combat prevalent crimes in the Northern Cape led to the arrest of 206 perpetrators during the execution of Operation Shanela.

Adopting a multi-disciplinary approach led by district commissioners – which entailed high visibility patrols, stop-and-search actions, roadblocks and vehicle check points – led to the arrests between Monday, July 14 until Sunday, July 20.

The teams inspected numerous liquor outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law.

*This article was first published by SABC News