Tag Archives: Safety and Liaison

302 suspects arrested for various crimes

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 August 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape, together with their counterparts from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, conducted Operation Shanela II operations across the province from 17 until 23 August 2026. The operations resulted in the arrest of 302 suspects for various crimes.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said operations conducted under the leadership and direction of senior officers at provincial, district and station level, were executed in collaboration with officials from various government departments, including the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Department of Health, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Social Development.

Litabe said the multi-disciplinary operations were aimed at stamping the authority of the state across all districts of the province and enhancing the safety and security of communities. He further said members conducted searches of 142 premises, 8372 persons and 4238 vehicles, traced wanted suspects, embarked on high-visibility patrols and conducted several roadblocks and Vehicle Control Points.

“The police also closed down 19 unlicensed liquor outlets for non-compliance and conducted compliance inspections at licensed dealers such as bottle stores, taverns and scrapyards. These activities resulted in the arrest of 302 suspects for various offences, including dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, business robbery, murder, attempted murder, common assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), burglary at residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol and contravention of the Immigration Act.

“Detectives across the five districts conducted tracing operations which led to the arrest of 152 wanted suspects for an assortment of offences for which they were evading court appearances. The operations also resulted in the confiscation of hundreds of litres of liquor, cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, stolen copper cables, dangerous weapons and drugs and the recovery of suspected stolen items,” added Litabe.

He said a motor vehicle allegedly hijacked in Kathu on 21 August 2026, was recovered.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and participating stakeholders for their dedication and commitment in executing these operations. Otola said through sustained and collaborative operations and the enforcement of the SAPS Reset Agenda, Northern Cape SAPS will continue to disrupt criminal activities, apprehend wanted suspects and ensure that the people of the Northern Cape are and feel safe.

“We further call on communities to continue working with the police and other law enforcement agencies by providing information about criminal activities in their areas,” she said.

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Northern Cape Police Commissioner to host Women Month events

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Picture: The SAPS female members during parade/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 August 2026 – As part of the commemoration of Women’s Month, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with Provincial and District SAPS Management, will lead a Women in Law Enforcement Parade in the Namakwa District. The Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, will also grace the occasion including other dignitaries.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the parade forms part of SAPS’ ongoing efforts to enhance police visibility, strengthen law enforcement readiness, and also showcased the capabilities of the different law enforcement agencies throughout Women’s Month. Gamieldien said these initiatives reaffirm SAPS’ commitment to creating safer communities and ensuring the protection of women, children and other vulnerable groups.

“The parade will be followed by integrated crime prevention operations led by women in law enforcement, with the participation of key government departments and stakeholders. There will be a Women in Law Enforcement Parade during phase 1 at McLeod Stadium, Nababeep on Tuesday at 10am.

“Phase 2 will consist of the parade and followed by integrated crime prevention operations led by women in law enforcement,” she said.

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Learners encouraged to contribute to safer South Africa

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Picture: Learners awarded certificate/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with the Safer South Africa Foundation, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), The Banking Association South Africa, StarSaver and POPCRU, hosted a certificate award ceremony for learners who successfully completed the Safer South Africa Foundation Communities and Justice Programme. The ceremony took place at Vuyolwethu High School in Kimberley on 23 July 2026 and was attended by learners from Vuyolwethu High School and Floors No. 2 High School, educators, parents and various stakeholders.

Also in attendance was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Safer South Africa Foundation, retired national Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Riah Phiyega, who outlined the purpose and significance of the event. Phiyega emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in raising and supporting children, reiterating the principle that it takes a village to raise a child and that every child is the responsibility of the broader community.

“I would like to convey a message of support on behalf of POPCRU, a founding partner of the Safer South Africa Foundation. It is important to have collaborative efforts in empowering young people and strengthening crime prevention initiatives within communities,” she said.

The Northern Cape Department of Basic Education representative, Brenda Babuseng encouraged learners to make positive choices and to become part of the solution rather than contributing to the problem. Babuseng further emphasised that the values promoted through the programme are aligned with the vision of creating safer schools that are caring, inclusive and character-building environments.

“The programme also seeks to prevent bullying, discourage substance abuse and combat vandalism, while promoting responsible citizenship among learners. As part of the second phase of the programme, learners from Vuyolwethu High School and Floors No. 2 High School shared testimonies about their experiences and reflected on the positive impact of the programme, as well as the values and life lessons they gained through their participation,” she added.

Meanwhile, learners were presented with Crime Prevention Programme certificates, commemorative T-shirts and goodie bags in recognition of their successful completion of the programme. The South African Police Service (SAPS) commends all stakeholders involved in the programme for their commitment to empowering young people and strengthening partnerships aimed at preventing crime and building safer, more resilient communities.

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Motorists urged to buckle-up ahead of Easter Holiday

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Picture: Law enforcement agencies during the launch of Easter Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign in Hopetown/Supplied   

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1April 2026 – The acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi together with the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, joined the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi at the launch of the 2026 Easter Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign in Hopetown, in Pixley Ka Seme District on 31 March 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a multi-disciplinary parade was conducted and addressed by Koloi. Shemane said the representatives from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Traffic Officials, SAPS, Thembelihle Local Municipality and various Taxi Associations, Entities and Stakeholders, attended the official programme at the Steynville Primary School in Hopetown prior to the roadblock.

“The purpose of the event was outlined by Rodney Pieterse, the Head of Department for Transport, Safety and Liaison. Pieterse emphasised the theme of the launch: “Road Safety Begins With Me”.

Mphuthi informed participants and stakeholders that SAPS is aware that the easter period is usually coupled with road accidents and carnage. She further said law enforcement agencies will be out in full force during these peak times when there is an increase in the volume of traffic on the roads, prioritising road safety.

“The SAPS will intensify and strengthen police visibility that is already existing. This is ongoing efforts during the Easter holidays and beyond.

“SAPS urge all road users to plan their journeys responsibly, avoid drinking and driving, obey traffic laws, and prioritize safety,” said Mphuthi.

She said in line with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, SAPS will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on the roads. Mphuthi added that SAPS encourages all road users to take personal responsibility for their safety, buckle up and avoid dangerous overtaking.

“If we reflect on the theme for the 2026 Easter Season Road Safety Campaign: “Road Safety Begins With Me”, it places emphasis on personal accountability for road safety, aiming to reduce fatalities by encouraging every driver, passenger and pedestrian to take responsibility for themselves.

“The Safer Easter Holidays operation, known as Operation Paseka is running parallel to Operation Shanela 2 and it commenced on 15 March 2026 until 15 April 2026, focusing on the safety and security of all citizens including those utilizing our roads,” she said.

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Police conduct awareness on GBVF-related issues  

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Picture: The police conducting awareness/Supplied      

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 January 2026- The Galeshewe SAPS Social Crime Prevention Section jointly with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) hosted an awareness campaign focusing on Domestic Violence and GBVF related issues at the Shoprite Shopping Centre in Barkly Road in Kimberley on 29 January 2026. The multi-disciplinary integrated team from the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) comprising of the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Social Crime, and various sections within the NPA such as Sexual Offences Community Affairs, Community Prosecution, Maintenance Office and  Entity Thuthuzela Care Centre.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the Galeshewe Crime Prevention and Galeshewe Sectors, SAPS Women’s Network and Safety Participants   rendered services to the community and the shoppers using the SAPS Mobile Community Service Centre (CSC) that was parked at the Centre’s parking lot, bringing service closer to the communities. Shemane said the multi-disciplinary teams engaged community members and shoppers and distributed information pamphlets.

“This type of engagement brings stakeholders together in an effort to sensitize community members about GBVF related incidents as it was declared by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa as a national disaster.

“Furthermore, the team distributed and shared safety hints on the prevention of human trafficking, substance abuse, pedestrian safety, domestic violence and other safety measures,” he said.

Shemane further said SAPS in the Northern Cape together with the JCPS cluster, remains committed in serving its communities by proactively engaging them and taking their safety into consideration.

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Young people urged to fight against scourge of drug and alcohol abuse

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Picture: Young people dialogue/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

19 November 2025- The Members attached to Galeshewe Social Crime Prevention together with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, jointly hosted the Prevention of Violence Against Youth Dialogue on 19 November 2025 in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley. The engagement brought together stakeholders from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Galeshewe Community Policing Forum, Galeshewe Safety Participants, Spiritual Crime prevention including Non-Profit Organisation such as the Soldiers of the Cross, Lightden Rehab Centre, Fathers and Sons and GM Sentletse foundation.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the main objective of the event was to mobilize the youth in the fight against crime in the province from grassroots level to provincial level and aiming to ensure that the youth participate in youth development initiatives. Shemane said the participants were divided into three groups to engage, debate and come up with solutions on how to address the scourge of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and physical and emotional abuse in their communities to prevent violence against the youth, women, children and vulnerable groups.

“In the closing remarks, Galeshewe CPF treasurer thanked all the stakeholders and participants in taking action in the fight against crime. He assured that the CPF will continue to strive for the development of the youth,” he said.

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Police in Northern Cape held Easter Prayer Day in Kimberley  

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Picture: Police in Northern Cape hosting Easter Prayer Day/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 April 2025- The Northern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Major General, Dr Thabo Mphuthi, accompanied by the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi and the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality councillor, Jahn Pietesen, led the Provincial Easter Prayer Day Service held at the CRC Church in Kimberley today.

The event was attended by representatives from various government departments, including Correctional Services, South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Traffic Department, and senior officers and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who gathered in unity to observe this sacred period through worship and spiritual reflection.

The SAPS Provincial Band inspired the congregation with uplifting music, while devotions and messages were delivered by SAPS Chaplains under the leadership of Colonel IJ Pudule. Religious leaders from multiple faith-based organizations also participated, delivering powerful reflections on the Seven Utterances of the Cross, enriching the spiritual significance of the day.

In her address, Mphuthi acknowledged and appreciated the prayers offered for the protection as they confront the inherent dangers of the profession.

“This service stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of faith, centred around the theme: “The Power of the Cross.” In the midst of challenges, it is essential that we safeguard our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

“As we remain committed to delivering a professional and dedicated service, let us also strive to build bridges of hope and trust within the communities we serve,” she said.

During her keynote address, Koloi emphasized the importance of reflecting on the true meaning of Easter. She urged communities to celebrate responsibly and to prioritize safety at all times.

“We reaffirm the commitment of the government and law enforcement agencies to ensuring the safety and security of all communities and visitors to the province. We also commend the law enforcement officials for their exemplary service in maintaining public safety and order.

“The government will apply a zero-tolerance stance on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly during this period. We call on men to take a collective stand against such heinous acts and to promote a culture of respect and accountability,” she said.

Meanwhile, the SANDF Commanding Officer, Colonel B Motlhabakwe, delivered the vote of thanks, and the prayer service concluded with benediction.

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16 new Provincial Traffic Inspectors welcomed

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Picture: 16 new Provincial Traffic Inspectors welcomed/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 January 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA and Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, has today welcomed a total of 16 new Provincial Traffic Inspectors to bolster road traffic law enforcement in the province. Vass said this followed a decision by the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) to recruit a total of 50 traffic trainees in 2024.

He further said these trainees were enrolled at the Matjhabeng Traffic Training Academy in Welkom, Free State Province to be trained, graduate and pass-out for the Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement (NQF Level 4).

“We congratulate the new cohort of Provincial Traffic Inspectors, who successfully completed the qualification that comprised a total of 20 unit standards and encouraged them to work hard and be exemplary professionals.

“We are happy to have an additional 16 Provincial Traffic Inspectors on our roads to help us maintain law and order for all modes of transport by providing quality traffic policing services, as stipulated by the relevant legislation,” said Vass.

He added that by the beginning of March 2025, after an open recruitment process, an additional 25 new Provincial Traffic Inspectors, will be appointed by the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, to bolster the human resource capacity of the Provincial Traffic Inspectorate. Vass said 32 trainees who could not pass all their unit standards in 2024, will still have to successfully participate in the remedial programme and Final Integrated Summative Assessment (FISA) for them to conclude the training programme, in the first half of this year.

“Valuable lessons were learnt from this pilot project and wished for the trainees who have returned to the training academy in Welkom, as well as those embarking on the remedial programme.

“The Provincial Traffic Inspectors will be deployed to a total of 10 traffic stations throughout the province and will commence their duties on 13 January 2025,” he said.

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NCPG intensifies Safer Festive Season Operations  

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass during operation/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 December 2024- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, led the safer festive season operations at a roadblock on the N12 Weighbridge in Kimberley on 24 December 2024.

Vass said similar operations including static roadblocks were executed across the other four districts of the province to intensify crime fighting efforts and ensure safer roads and less accidents and fatalities.

“A total of 1954 vehicles were stopped and searched, 3924 persons searched and a total of 114 traffic violations were issued across the operations. We encourage law enforcement officers to fight crime and criminality, to protect law abiding citizens.

“We wish the officials well as they execute various safer festive season operations throughout the Northern Cape,” he said.

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Safer Festive Season campaign in full swing in Northern Cape

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Picture: Safer Festive Season campaign underway/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 December 2024- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, Traditional Affairs, Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, led a multi-disciplinary road block with the Provincial Traffic Department and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the R27 road linking Calvinia and Niewoudtville on Tuesday.

A total of 158 vehicles were stopped, searched and inspected for roadworthiness and several fines were issued.

Vass said as the province intensifies its law enforcement campaign for a safer festive season and safer roads, to reduce fatalities, they will continue to call on all road users to obey the rules of the road and to buckle up. He said they should avoid speeding or drinking and driving, as part of the key principles to ensure safer roads across the province.

“Similar roadblocks and safety campaigns will be rolled out across the province,” said Vass.

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