On Wednesday 15 November, Strand police and multiple stakeholders participated in the launch of “Operation Shanele” that will focus on addressing all serious and violent crimes within Strand’s policing precinct.
Niklaas Thysen, spokesperson of Strand Community Policing Forum (CPF), mentioned the launch of this operation not only involved the police but also the CPF, various neighbourhood-watch structures, security-structure stakeholders and the Department of Correctional Services which joined forces to combat crime under the banner of Operation Shanele.
“The launch of this operation focused on concerns sprouting from spaza shops and their compliance. We also searched for counterfeit goods and undocumented immigrants in Sectors 1, 2 and 3 in Strand,” says Thysen.
Robin Maripan of the Department of Correctional Services highlighted the importance of security clusters to work together to increase visibility in the communities they serve.
“The goal is to join forces in combating crime in hotspot areas and areas that will be visited by locals and tourists,” he said. “We want and expect citizens to feel safe when enjoying the upcoming festive season.”
Strand CPF confirmed that a zero tolerance approach will also be taken by police over this festive season when it comes to crimes against women and children. . Operation Shanele will continue until January 2024.
