By BAKANG MOKOTO
6 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has reiterated its concerns regarding unauthorised identity document inspections recently conducted by individuals in the Greater Kimberley area. The police said only duly authorised law enforcement officials from the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA), acting within the confines of the law, may request and verify identity documents while performing their official duties.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the members of the public are urged not to be intimidated by individuals who have no legal authority to conduct identity document inspections. Litabe said communities were encouraged to report any suspicious or unlawful conduct at their nearest police station, anonymously via the MySAPS App, or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
“The only recognised community structure with which the SAPS officially partners is the Community Policing Forum (CPF). Any person who intimidates, discriminates against or harasses individuals suspected of not being in possession of identity documents or other legal documentation may face criminal prosecution.
“The SAPS remains committed to maintaining law and order, protecting the constitutional rights of everyone within the Republic of South Africa and ensuring that all policing actions are carried out professionally, lawfully and without prejudice,” he said.
The Guardian 