18 December 2025- The police in Northern Cape said safer festive season operations are in full swing across the Namakwa District as they intensify efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety. The police said on 17 December 2025, disruptive operations were led by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a multi-disciplinary roadblock was conducted at the N7 weighbridge in Springbok, during which 138 vehicles and 320 individuals were stopped and searched. Ehlers said traffic fines amounting to R1300 were issued for various violations.
“These operations were followed by a crime intelligence-driven intervention after information was operationalised regarding suspected drug dealing at premises in Concordia. A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the seizure of hydro dagga with an estimated street value of R125 785.10, as well as a substantial amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities.
“A man (37) was arrested in connection with dealing in drugs. Disruptive operations will continue in identified hotspot areas to address priority crimes during the festive season and beyond,” she said.
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.
7 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in John Taolo Gaetsewe District received furniture for Victim Friendly Rooms. An official handing over event was held in Heuningvlei on 7 January 2025, where several stations within the district were beneficiaries.
The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, the acting District Commissioner for the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi and the Provincial Head for Pro-Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, handed over a vehicle and furniture to be utilised by Heuningvlei, Severn and VanZylsrus SAPS to efficiently equip Victim Friendly Rooms.
Otola said the services offered by the police in these rooms are of vital importance to ensure that victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual offences receive comfort and support after suffering traumatic experiences.
“This occasion is symbolic of our dedication and obligation towards creating a safe and secure environment for the vulnerable members of our community. These facilities provide a safe haven for victims, where they will receive counselling and other related essential services where they can feel safe and protected from their abusers.
“The policing of crimes against women, children, and vulnerable groups remains a priority for the police. The victims are urged to break the silence and report incidents to the police via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111,” she said.
Picture: Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 December 2024- The police in Northern Cape said there will be more boots on the ground during the festive season. This comes after newly recruited constables were drafted to reinforce the capacity of ground forces.
According to the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, law enforcement will be supported by Community Police Structures (CPS), reservists and other relevant external role players.
Otola said priority crimes, including all contact crimes, residential and business robberies, damage or tampering of essential infrastructure, crimes against women and children, as well as drug and alcohol related crimes and road safety will be vigorously policed.
“We re-assure the communities of the Northern Cape that the police are ready to protect and serve this festive season with a zero tolerance approach toward criminal elements within the province.
“Detectives will be out in full force to trace and apprehend wanted suspects who have been evading the law. We reiterate that alcohol and substance abuse will not be tolerated as this leads to the commission of serious and violent crimes,” she said.
Otola further encouraged motorists and pedestrians to practice road safety precautions to ensure that all road users are safe and minimise the occurrence of fatalities and serious road accidents.
She added that disruptive actions, such as roadblocks and vehicle check points will also focus on the prevention of drinking and driving.
“Specialized units such as the Search and Rescue Unit will be available to police areas with bodies of water, such as dams and rivers, throughout the province.
“Residents and visitors to the Northern Cape, who enjoy the hot climate, are encouraged to practice water safety and to be cautious at all times. Do not go swimming alone or when under the influence of alcohol,” said Otola.
She urged parents to be aware of the whereabouts of their children at all times. Otola said home owners are also encouraged to safeguard their property when they are away on holiday.
“Shoppers are also urged to be alert and vigilant in busy shopping centres. Do not carry large amounts of cash, pay with a debit or credit card whenever possible.
“Do not get overburdened with shopping bags, always keep one hand free. We commend the community for their invaluable contributions by providing essential information that leads to the arrest of perpetrators,” she said.
Otola urged the community to be the eyes and ears of the police and to report criminality to the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via MY SAPS app. She said all information will be treated confidentially.
“We hereby wish all visitors and inhabitants of the Northern Cape a safe and secure festive season and beyond,” said Otola.
Picture: Three Upington Public Order Police promoted/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
5 December 2024- The Northern Cape Police, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection and Acting DPC for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, honoured the recently promoted members by conferring their new ranks.
The members from Upington Public Order Police were promoted to the ranks of Colonel, Captain, and Warrant Officer in different districts within the province.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said: “During her address, Otola reiterated on discipline, command, and control. She congratulated the members and wished them well in their new roles.”
Picture: Some of rotten foodstuff seized during a clamp down/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
18 November 2024- Only two out of 34 tuckshops that were inspected at the Frances Baard District are compliant. This comes after the Northern Cape PROVJOINTS under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with MECs, the Frances Baard District mayor and local mayors of Dikgatlong, Phokwane, Magareng Municipalities and inter-governmental teams, embarked on the food safety campaign on 18 November 2024.
Otola said the focus was on compliance inspections to tuckshops/spaza shops to address illicit and contaminated foodstuff sold by tuck shops and non-compliance. She further said multi-sectoral teams were deployed under the leadership of the Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, local mayors in Barkley West, Delportshoop, Warrenton, Hartswater and Ritchie.
“Only two tuckshops were found compliant and 32 were closed down due to non-compliance, including operating without valid licences. Large volumes of expired, damaged and rotten meat and food items were confiscated during the visits.
“Seven undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and detained for processing by the Department of Home Affairs and three fines were issued,” she said.
Otola further said an urgent plea is made to communities to allow the inter-governmental teams to conduct their inspections in order to ensure that all compliance is adhered to. She added that collaborative efforts will continue to ensure that fraudulent and fake food and beverages are removed from shelves and offered for sale to communities.
“Contaminated food products can pose serious health risks to consumers and can have deadly consequences. Hence, these operations will be conducted in all five districts within the Northern Cape province to clamp down on illicit trade in food and food fraud,” said Otola.
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, who is also the Chairperson of the Provincial Joint Intelligence Structure, has expressed her heartfelt and sincere gratitude towards all stakeholders within the JCPS Cluster for their unwavering dedication and professional conduct during the policing of the 2024 General Elections in the province.
Otola said maximum force deployments, as well as collective efforts by all stakeholders, played a pivotal role in ensuring a peaceful elections process. She further acknowledged the professional conduct of all law enforcement officers, who executed their duties with integrity and in an impartial manner.
“No serious incidents were reported and law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to all occurrences reported. We would like to praise the upstanding behaviour of the communities in the province.
“Cooperation with law enforcement and IEC officials contributed towards a safe and stable environment. Law enforcement in conjunction with all JCPS Cluster stakeholders, will not relax efforts during the announcement of the results and proceeding celebrations,” said Otola.
She said crime prevention operations and disruptive actions will continue unabated to ensure the safety and security of all inhabitants in the province.
Picture: The PROVJOINTS ready for National Elections/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, who is the Chairperson of the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), together with the South African Defence Force and the State Security Agency (SSA) and all other stakeholders within the JCPS cluster, said they are confident that the province is ready to police the upcoming National and Provincial General Elections of 2024.
Otola said all security measures and plans that have been put in place, will ensure that the election process in the Northern Cape proceeds without any incidents of crime and disruptions.
“We assure maximum deployments to ensure the successful execution of the operational plan. As the PROVJOINTS, we are satisfied with the contingency plans put in place and reassure the inhabitants of the Northern Cape that they can expect a safe and peaceful election.
“However, while measures are in place, the ultimate responsibility of ensuring a safe and conducive environment lies with every citizen of the province, which requires sound partnerships in order to create a harmonious backdrop of mutual respect as we are heading to the voting polls,” she said.
Otola further said threats identified such as community protests are already being attended to and those that are found to be in contravention of the law are being dealt with. She added that the Public Order Police Units (POPS) are on the ground and ready to prevent and combat such incidents.
“We take this opportunity to remind our communities that the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, provides that every resident is free to make political choices, which includes the right to participate in the activities of political parties and to campaign for such parties.
“In addition, communities are also cautioned and warned to refrain from vandalising, defacing and removing posters and placards of political parties, as this constitutes an offence. Any person found to be tampering with posters or vandalizing it, will be arrested and charged with contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, which prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a political party,” said Otola.
She also condemned the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumours or threats on social media platforms that seek to cause unnecessary panic and confusion and in some instances incite possible violence. Otola said those found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly.
“Simultaneous parades were conducted by the five District Commissioners in John Taolo Gaetsewe, Frances Baard, Pixely Ka-Seme, ZF Mgcawu and Namakwa districts respectively. The police with the support of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster departments’ main priority is to ensure a safe and secure election process.
“We also assure the communities of the Northern Cape that normal crime prevention and policing operations are continuing prior, during and beyond the election period. Every law enforcement officer on the ground, has the responsibility and an obligation to execute their mandate, professionally, impartially and with integrity and within the confines of the laws of the country,” said Otola.
She said their members are reminded that they are “a-political” and will enforce the law without fear and favour.
Picture: The Northern Cape police donate medical equipment to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberly/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, donated medical equipment to the oncology department at Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberly on 12 March 2024. Otola who was accompanied by the acting Northern Cape Deputy Police Commissioner for Corporate Services, Major General Thabo Mphuthi, said they donated medical equipment, care packs and reading material to patients.
“The donations are proceeds from the SAPS 10km Pink and Blue Walk in aid of cancer awareness that was held in Kimberly on 8 November 2023. The walk was hosted in conjunction with the SAPS Women’s Network, Men for Change, the Department of Health.
“This includes the Community Policing Forum (CPF), the Department of Transport Safety and Liaison, Department of Correctional Services, the SOUTH African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Provincial SAPS Management, Provincial Components and Stations within the greater Kimberley area,” she said.
Otola further said the purpose of the day was relayed by Mphuthi, who expressed her utmost gratitude to all the role players. She added that the hospital needs to be commended for the sterling job it is doing by serving the community with excellent medical care.
Meanwhile, the acting CEO of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, Dr Esme Olivier lauded the police and other relevant stakeholders for their generosity.
Picture: The Northern Cape police during the junior commissioner project/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Learners from various schools were part of the Junior Commissioner Project, which envisages advancing and promoting the safety of learners and educators in schools. The glaring event was hosted by the Office of the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, at the Piet Thole Community Hall in Rosedale on Saturday.
The event was attended by executives and senior officials from all relevant entities.
According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the Junior Commissioners will play an active role in initiating education and awareness campaigns on issues that affect the safety of learners. Ehlers said as the police, they will use community outreach programmes as platforms to mobilise and educate the youth about the dangers of involvement in criminal activities.
“Extramural and recreational activities will be initiated by the young leaders, where young people can demonstrate various talents and capabilities. The focus is on ensuring the development, nurturing of leadership skills and capabilities of all learners.
“This will ensure that we provide guidance and mentorship initiatives to prepare them for future leadership endeavours and transforming into progressive and responsible citizens. Four learners per district, were subjected to an intensive induction programme that provided knowledge and information about the police,” she said.
Ehlers further said they were coached by Constable Zamile Mgwevu, in preparation for the delivery of prepared speeches to showcase their knowledge and potential as young leaders. She added that these learners expressed their views on social ills experienced by the youth and how they can be remedied.
“The top 10 learners were announced and granted the opportunity to deliver unprepared speeches. The winners were announced after the vigorous scrutiny of a panel of adjudicators. Simone van Rooyen from the Frances Baard District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services.
“Ealroe Taddese from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Onkarabile Kgomonyane from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, while Oragolele Kuriti from the Frances Baard District was appointed as the Junior Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape,” said Ehlers.
She said maximum participation of young people in the fight against crime in their learning environment was emphasized. Ehlers also said the collaboration between the youth and police, will ensure that they see more South African schools safe and conducive to learning.
“Bullying is rife in schools and must be eradicated. No learner must be prevented from attending school,” she said.
In her keynote address, the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Sylvia Bloem, said they are in an era of hope. Bloem said it is inspiring that the youth is taking responsibility for their wellbeing.
“Youth involvement in crime remains a concern. Substance abuse exposes them to become perpetrators or victims of crime.
So, we encourage young leaders to lead by example and have the courage to say ‘No’.
“Everyone is a leader, irrespective of whether they were chosen or not. All participants will still be afforded the opportunity to partake in Safer School Programmes, CPF and Youth Against Crime initiatives,” she said.
The Guardian 