Tag Archives: The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing

Northern Cape SAPS elects interim structure

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Picture: Interim structure elected/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 August 2025- The Provincial Management of the Northern Cape inclusive of the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Major General (Dr) Mphuthi, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and the Provincial Head for Pro- Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi with their entourage led the election of the interim Provincial Community Police Board on 26 August 2025, in Upington.

The five District Chairpersons, Secretaries, and Public Relation Officials formed were part of the meeting, which aimed at restructuring the Provincial Policing Board.

Pastor James Malgas opened the program with devotion and prayer, and the purpose of the meeting was outlined by the Provincial Head of Policing, Brigadier Kopeledi.

The keynote speaker, Major General Besnaar, addressed the meeting on previous challenges and the expectation for the new structure to rebuild the relationship between the SAPS and CPF.

He further cited that the relationship must be maintained for the benefit of the community to ensure that the mandate of the SAPS and the CPF is fulfilled.

The Elected Northern Cape Interim Structure:

Chairperson – Mr Thabiso Kedithibetse (JTG District)

Deputy Chairperson – Mr Clement Baai (ZFM District)

Secretary- Ms Liz-Nique Nel (ZFM District)

Deputy Secretary – Mr Shaun Brandt (Frances Baard District)

Treasurer- Ms Dorothy Langfred (Pixley Ka Seme District)

PRO-Mr Hilton Appollis (JTG District)

The interim board was congratulated by the provincial management, and Major General(Dr) Mphuthi took the opportunity to welcome  the structure on behalf of the Provincial Commissioner.

 The structure will serve until the next Annual General meeting.

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Operation Shanela remains steadfast

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Picture: A firearm discovered during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 May 2025- The Northern Cape police said the ongoing Operation Shanela remains steadfast and intentional during high density police actions that were executed across all five districts in the province during the past week to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. The police said these disruptive actions were led by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads and senior officers in the province and district.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said in the Namakwa District, Otola, together with Besnaar, the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews and supported by the Provincial Heads for Corporate Communication and Liaison,  Crime Intelligence and the Provincial Operational Command Centre, executed high density operations to address priority crimes as well illicit mining activities in conjunction with the Vala Umgodi teams currently deployed in the Kleinzee,  Port Nolloth and Koingnaas areas.

Kock said the multi-disciplinary teams across the province jointly executed 300 arrests, including wanted suspects arrested by detectives who have been evading police.

“Majority of the arrests included possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH, burglary, and malicious damage to property.

“In addition to the 12 907 police actions, several roadblocks, vehicle check points, as well as high visibility patrols were conducted, during which 6148 persons and 2451 vehicles were stopped and searched,” he said.

Kock further said dagga with an estimated street value of R330 000, was seized in Galeshewe Township recently and a female subsequently arrested. He added that compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, informal businesses, liquor outlets which also resulted in the closure of several unlicensed liquor outlets.

“In an effort to promote rural safety, high visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas where several farms and mines were visited. Disruptive actions resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons and copper cables.

“Several campaigns including, “Take a girl child to work”, were held across the province and safety awareness and career guidance were offered, while SAPS members also showcased various sections and components, which the police have to offer as a career of choice,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola expressed her gratitude towards all SAPS personnel and relevant stakeholders who contributed towards the successes achieved as well as the communities for their cooperation. Otola also encouraged all role players to continue with police actions and community interactions to ensure safer communities in the province.

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Traffic fines worth R31 000 issued

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Picture: The law enforcement agencies issue traffic fines/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 April 2025- The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, led the second phase of a community engagement initiative in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 23 April 2025. The engagement took place at the Bothitong Community Hall, where various stakeholders and community members gathered.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the event was attended by the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, Station Commanders and SAPS Provincial Heads. Shemane said delegates and community members were welcomed by the Chairperson of Community Policing Forum (CPF), Alfios Kedithibetse.

“Colonel Mojalefa Nkunika outlined the purpose of the day, followed by messages of support delivered by representatives from key government departments, including the Department of Correctional Services, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, COGHSTA and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“The panel, comprising of representatives of the aforementioned departments together with Major General Besnaar, addressed concerns raised by community

members,” he said.

Shemane further said in addition to the open dialogue, the attendees had access to a variety of services offered by participating departments. He added, in his keynote address, Besnaar reaffirmed SAPS commitment to strengthening partnerships with communities to enhance safety and security for all residents.

“On 24 April 2025, the two day programme concluded with phase three that comprised of a multi-disciplinary operation along the N14 road, near Kuruman. The operation included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks and stop-and-search activities conducted by members from multiple units and departments.

“Crime prevention pamphlets were distributed to motorists and passengers. Compliance inspections were conducted at scrapyards, recycling facilities, and liquor outlets,” said Shemane.

He said operational outcomes included an arrest for possession of suspected drugs, as well as the searching of 146 vehicles and 341 individuals. Shemane said traffic fines totalling R31 7000, for an array of traffic violations, were issued.

“These crime prevention actions will continue throughout the weekend to address priority crimes. Community members were once again urged to partner with law enforcement and report suspicious activities and criminality to the SAPS via the MySAPS App or Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” he said.

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