During a major crackdown on crime in Modderrivier and surrounding areas, the police uncovered a large dagga stash worth R440,000 during Operation Shanela, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
IN A SIGNIFICANT crackdown on criminal activities, the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, was out in full force for Operation Shanela actions in Modderrivier and surrounding areas on Friday.
The operation, led by the acting provincial commissioner for the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga, aimed to disrupt criminal activities and ensure compliance with the law.
Brigadier Nicky Mtongana, the acting district commissioner for Frances Baard, served as the overall commander, while Colonel Michelle Ford, the Kagisho station commander, took charge as the female operational commander in honour of Women’s Month.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock highlighted that during a roadblock on the N12, officers stopped and searched a vehicle, discovering dagga worth an estimated R440,000 concealed in suitcases.
The multi-disciplinary operation saw participation from various SAPS units, including provincial components, the Frances Baard District Office and the Galeshewe, Kagisho, Roodepan and Kimberley SAPS. Provincial and local Traffic, the departments of Labour, Home Affairs and Economic Development and Tourism, the Consumer Protection Authority, the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board and Sol Plaatje Municipality components also joined forces to squeeze the space for criminals to operate.
The disruptive actions included compliance inspections, roadblocks and foot and vehicle patrols.
At the N12 roadblock in Modderrivier, a total of 338 vehicles and 288 individuals were stopped and searched, resulting in 36 traffic fines totalling R25,000. The two suspects who were found in possession of the large dagga stash were arrested. The duo, aged 26 and 28, are originally from Swaziland and KwaZulu-Natal.
Compliance inspections led by Sol Plaatje Municipality, provincial consumer protection, the gambling and liquor board and Home Affairs resulted in the closure of three non-compliant businesses and the detention of four male foreign nationals for passport verification.
The operartion concluded with high-visibility patrols in Modderrivier, Ritchie and surrounding areas.
Major-General Ngubelanga praised the collaboration among stakeholders and commended the female officers for their leadership during the Women’s Month operation.
DFA
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