Picture: The police conduct stops and search/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
7 June 2026 – During a day two of the execution of Operation Shanela II, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, continued with intelligence-driven operations in Kuruman on 5 June 2026, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and members from various SAPS stations, JTG District offices, Provincial units and external stakeholders. Otola said simultaneous roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were conducted, resulting in 461 vehicles and 613 persons being stopped and searched.
“Traffic fines amounting to R12 000 were issued for various contraventions of road traffic regulations. Teams conducted targeted disruptive actions in Kuruman and surrounding villages, which resulted in the closure of several shebeens and the confiscation of large volumes of alcoholic beverages.
“During the joint multi-disciplinary operation, Home Affairs Immigration Services arrested eight foreign nationals, aged between 37 and 48 years, for contravention of the Immigration Act. The police further conducted foot and vehicle patrols in the Kuruman Central Business District (CBD) to enhance visibility and ensure the safety and security of communities,” she said.
Otola further said she will continue with these operations across the five districts of the province. She added that the operations are focused on reducing contact and violent crimes in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District through strengthened collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and community partners.
Picture: Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
7 June 2026 – Following the successful Operation Shanela II operations conducted in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, continued her crime-fighting efforts in the ZF Mgcawu District, where she led a series of disruptive actions aimed at combating criminality. Otola was accompanied by the District Commissioner of ZF Mgcawu, Major General Monica Sebili, members of the Community Policing Forum, Community in Blue, and members from surrounding police stations and specialised units in the greater Upington area.
She further said the operations included visits to taxi ranks, stop-and-search actions and high-visibility patrols. Otola added that compliance inspections were also conducted at formal and informal businesses, salons and food outlets.
“Officials from the Department of Home Affairs assisted police by verifying the immigration status of individuals found at these establishments. In addition, we hosted a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) awareness campaign at the Thembelihle Hall in Paballelo, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging communities to take a stand against GBV.
“Intelligence-driven operations led by senior management will continue unabated across the province to restore stability and intensify efforts to combat criminal activities,” she said.
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.
The Guardian 