By OBAKENG MAJE
Eight undocumented persons Were arrested for Contravention of the Immigration Act. The suspects were nabbed during the multi-disciplinary operation known as Operation Phakisa that was executed in Port Nolloth, Kleinsee, Groenrivier, Alexander Bay and Hondeklipbay between 20 and 23 June 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the operations focused on illegal activities in relation to marine related crimes by monitoring and ensuring strict compliance of the prescribed ranching, fishing and harvesting regulations, as well as addressing the proliferation of drugs, firearms and prevention of undocumented immigrants.
Kock said the operations were executed by teams from different departments and relevant stakeholders, including South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Unit, SAN Parks, the Department of Mineral and Resources and the Department of Agriculture Environmental Affairs Rural Development and Land Reform.
“Actions and activities executed during the commencement of the operations include, compliance inspections, vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, raids at identified houses for illegal drugs, firearms and other commodities smuggling.
“Four vehicle check points (VCPs) were conducted on the Port Nolloth/ Kleinzee and Port Nolloth/Alexander Bay roads during which vehicles and persons were stopped and searched. Numerous operational successes were achieved, including fishing permits that were inspected at harbours, camping sites and launching pads,” he said.
Kock said they were visited by the multi-disciplinary law enforcement officials for which fines to the value of R6000 were issued for the Contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act and also confiscated illicit cigarettes worth approximately R41 000.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola reiterated that the police in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, will continue unabated to ensure that the sea environment and marine resources is protected and remains safe and secure.
Otola said the police will continue to ensure that they combat all illegal and unregulated activities along the coastal areas in the province.
TaungDailyNews 