Tag Archives: Brigadier Schalk Andrews

SAPS launches Operation Basadi in Northern Cape

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Picture: Female police officials during Women’s Month launch/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

3 August 2026- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has officially launched Operation Basadi in the Namakwa District on 1 August 2026, marking the commencement of National Women’s Month under the 2026 theme: “Building Resilient Women for a Resilient South Africa.” The police said the launch commenced with a multi-agency parade in Springbok, attended by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, the Provincial Head of Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi and the Provincial Head of Corporate Communication and Liaison, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Operation Basadi recognises the invaluable role of women in law enforcement, while reinforcing SAPS’ commitment to combating crime, protecting vulnerable groups and fostering safer communities through integrated policing. Ehlers said the first phase of the operation consisted of a women-led Vehicle Check Point (VCP) on the N7 between Springbok and Steinkopf.

“Female members from various SAPS provincial components, the Office of the District Commissioner, police stations and specialised units across the Namakwa District joined forces in this high-impact crime prevention initiative.

“The operation was further strengthened through the participation of female officials from the Provincial Traffic Department and Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs, demonstrating the effectiveness of a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to law enforcement,” she said.

Ehlers further said during the operation, the police stopped and searched 442 vehicles and 1 092 persons. She added that a total of 11 traffic infringement notices amounting to R4700, were issued for various traffic offences, while one suspect was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

“The second phase of the operation focused on high-visibility patrols at shopping centres and within the Springbok Central Business District to enhance public safety, reassure communities and increase police visibility.

“The launch forms part of the build-up to the Women in Law Enforcement Parade, which will be held at McLeod Stadium in Nababeep on 4 August 2026, where women serving across the criminal justice system will be recognised for their dedication, professionalism and service to the people of the Northern Cape,” said Ehlers.

She said throughout August, Operation Basadi will be rolled out across all five districts of the Northern Cape. Ehlers said the initiative highlights the critical role women play in policing, while advancing the Women’s Month theme by celebrating resilient women whose courage, leadership and commitment continue to contribute towards building a safer and more resilient South Africa.

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11 illegal foreigners nabbed during Festive Season Operations  

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Picture: The police during Festive Season Operations/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 December 2025- As part of the Festive Season Operations and ongoing efforts to eradicate illicit mining, a multi-disciplinary operation led by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, was conducted in the Namakwa District on 16 December 2025. Early morning clean-up operations were executed simultaneously in Kleinzee, Nuttabooi, and Bontekoe.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the operation involved multi-disciplinary teams comprising various SAPS units from the district and provincial components, supported by the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration), the Border Management Authority, and the National Prosecuting Authority. Ehlers said the joint efforts focused on addressing illicit mining activities and the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.

“During the operation, 11 undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended and handed over to Immigration officials for further processing. Tools and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illicit mining activities were also confiscated.

“Phase two of the operation focused on targeted raids at identified premises in Port Nolloth, conducted in collaboration with Crime Intelligence. Crime Intelligence-driven and targeted disruptive operations will continue unabated across the province during the festive season and beyond to curb illicit mining and related criminal activities,” she said.

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Namakwa District welcomes 45 new police officers to its radar

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Picture: New cohort arrives in Namakwa District/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 December 2025- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, officially welcomed 45 of the 58 new constables who completed their training at different SAPS Training Academies in the country and placed at various stations within the district. Andrews said the parade was held at the offices of Human Resource Development ( HRD) in Springbok.

He further said the opening devotion was led by Chaplin Marsha Baard attached to the Employee Health and Wellness section. Andrews added that in attendance were Station and Unit Commanders, SAPS members, representatives from the Labour Unions (POPCRU and SAPU) and the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.

“The new constables stood proudly on parade, ready to embark on their policing journey. The members will be placed at various stations within the district to obtain workplace exposure in the field of policing. Captain Andre Baard, Head of Training, addressed the constables, shared valid and important information pertaining to the phases of their training.

“Messages of support were delivered by Shabedi from SAPU and Lewis from POPCRU, including Sekia from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. We reminded the members that they are no longer simply graduates, but guardians of the Namakwa District, entrusted with the safety and security and wellbeing of communities,” he said.

Andrews said their placement at stations and units is by design, rooted in the principles of policing and Section 205 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. He said the constitution is not just a legal document — it is the heartbeat of democracy, the promise of justice and the shield of every citizen.

“So, we urged them to recognise their duty as both constitutional and spiritual, a calling from God to serve with integrity, courage, professionalism and compassion. We also reminded them that wearing the SAPS uniform is not merely about the clothes and badge, but carrying the mantle of service, the responsibility of protection, and the authority of justice.

“We charged them to serve with discipline as their compass, dignity as their shield, and faith as their strength. We appealed to them to uphold the law without fear or favour, to walk the streets of Namakwa as symbols of hope and trust, and to remember that their daily “Bible” is the SAPS Code of Conduct,” said Andrews.

He blessed their journey with wisdom, courage, and faith, welcoming them to “the winning team.” Andrews said it reminded them that their role is not just a career, but a sacred calling to ensure that Namakwa remains a district where justice prevails and communities thrive.

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Four suspects nabbed separately for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

31 August 2025- The Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, has successfully concluded a joint operation led by the Springbok Public Order Police unit (POPS) and the Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit. The operation, conducted between 27 and 29 August 2025, resulted in multiple arrests and significant drug seizures across the district.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said on 27 August 2025, a man (21) was arrested in Steinkopf on charges of dealing in drugs and was found in possession of mandrax tablets and tik. Magerman said on 28 August 2025, actions executed in Bergsig resulted in the arrest of a man (43) on charges of dealing in drugs as well as possession of suspected stolen property.

“The team continued their disruptive actions clamped down on drugs in the greater Springbok on 29 August 2025, during which two suspects aged 40 and 42 respectively, were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs and found in possession of tik and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“The police seized drugs and suspended stolen copper cable collectively valued at approximately R22 671. These operations highlight the continued commitment of the South African Police Service to combat drug trafficking and related crimes within the Namakwa District,” he said.

Magerman further said the targeted operations have not only led to several arrests, but also ensured the removal of dangerous substances from local communities. He added that the arrested suspects will appear in court soon to face charges under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act.

“The South African Police Service urges community members to report any criminal activity by contacting the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS application,” said Magerman.

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16 undocumented foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: One of alleged illegal suspects nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 May 2025- In the quest to address, clamp down and curb crime including the ongoing illegal mining activities in the Namakwa area, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and accompanied by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, supported by the Provincial Heads of Corporate Communication and Liaison, Crime Intelligence and Provincial Operational Command Centre executed operations over two days at different locations in the region.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the objective of the operation was to dismantle the complex network of illegal mining by targeting its instruments and confiscating equipment used in illicit mining activities. Gamieldien said arresting and processing undocumented foreigners with those found guilty being deported back to their country of origin.

“The operations were executed involving various SAPS Provincial components, specialised units, police stations within the district, officials from the Department Home Affairs and the Vala Umgodi team currently deployed in the Namakwa area.

“The operations were executed in two phases over two days, commencing on 22 May 2025 and concluding on 23 May 2025. Areas targeted were the Nuttabooi informal settlement in the mining area, Koingnaas and Port Nolloth,” she said.

Gamieldien further said during the operations, a total of 18 persons were apprehended and arrested in Nuttabooi, Koingnaas and Port Nolloth and were processed by Home Affairs officials. She added that 16 persons were undocumented Zimbabwe and Lesotho nationals.

“They were arrested for possession of drugs. The arrested persons are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon. The suspected drug houses in Sizamele and Nollothville in Port Nolloth were raided, where it was alleged that drugs were sold and illegal activities were executed,” said Gamieldien.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, cited that the authority of the state will be restored and continuous operations of this nature will be executed to stamp down the authority of the state by forcing illegal miners to resurface and enforce the law. Otola commended all the role-players involved in the execution of the operations and appreciated their concerted efforts in restoring law and order.

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