Tag Archives: The Namakwa District Police Commissioner

Outcry as N7 road turned deadly

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Picture: Concerns regarding number of road accidents occurred on the N7 road/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 February 2026 – The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews has expressed his concern regarding the number of road accidents which occurred in the district recently. Andrews said three accidents   this weekend on the N7 road, claimed the lives of five individuals and injured others.

He further said against this backdrop, he is urgently appealing to all road users, including motorists and pedestrians to implement the following safety measures. Andrews cited that the roads have become scenes of tragedy due to reckless driving behaviour.

“We are witnessing an alarming trend of road users racing and speeding on the N7, especially during weekends, showing complete disregard for traffic laws and the safety of others. We further emphasize that reckless driving and lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated.

“Investigations have also revealed that intoxicated passengers are a common factor in these incidents, contributing to dangerous conditions on the N7. We urge all road users to obey speed limits and traffic regulations. We urge them to avoid reckless and racing behaviour,” he said.

Andrews said motorists should never drive under the influence of alcohol. He added that they should ensure passengers are sober and responsible.

“Respect the rules of the road. The police in the Namakwa District in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies will prioritize road safety and enforce the law on all roads leading into and out of the district. A zero tolerance approach will be adopted and no person will be treated preferentially and will be subjected to the full might of the law.

“We call on the community to work with us in making our roads safer. Due to the recent tragic deaths on the Namakwa roads, stakeholders will have prayer services at the entrances of all towns on the N7 road on 12 February 2026 at 9am,” said Andrews. 

He said stakeholders who will form part of the prayer sessions include SAPS, Radio NFM, Traffic, CPF structures, schools, religious fraternities and truck drivers. Andrews said all participants are kindly requested to wear black.

“Anyone with information about reckless driving or road incidents can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Namakwa District Police Commissioner brings community closer

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Picture: The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews visits Radio Kaboesna/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 January 2026- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner,  Brigadier Schalk Andrews rolled out his “Meet and Greet” programme utilizing local community radio stations as a mouthpiece to reach communities, especially those situated in rural and far reaching areas. This week, Andrews visited Radio Kaboesna, which is based in Calvinia.

He was accompanied by the Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman and the Vispol Station Commander, Warrant Officer Hantie Hawksley. Adrews further said it was their first visit and one of many  regular engagements on the community radio station’s airwaves, marking a new chapter in community police relations in the Boberg area of Namakwa District.

“Henceforth, SAPS will broadcast every Thursday at 6pm, utilizing the platform to educate communities, combat crime through public awareness, and enhance the corporate image of SAPS in the Namakwa region. A key feature of this initiative is the establishment of the Kaboesna-SAPS Helpdesk, which will provide community members with a confidential channel to report complaints and crime anonymously.

“The help desk underscores the police’s commitment to accessible, transparent and responsive policing. During the broadcast, Brigadier Andrews expressed his gratitude to Radio Kaboesna Station Management for providing this valuable airtime and opportunity to be part of the partnership policing strategy allowing media to assist and participate in crime fighting using the media platform,” he added.

Andrews also urged Calvinia residents and communities covered in the broadcasting range, to actively participate in the fight against crime by joining Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures, the Youth Against Crime initiative and the Community in Blue Patrollers structures. He cited that, it is one of his best practices to bring the community closer to the SAPS and being able to address complaints immediately, provide feedback to complainants and solve the crime in a short time period if possible, following all the processes.

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Namakwa District welcomes 45 new police officers to its radar

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Picture: New cohort arrives in Namakwa District/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 December 2025- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, officially welcomed 45 of the 58 new constables who completed their training at different SAPS Training Academies in the country and placed at various stations within the district. Andrews said the parade was held at the offices of Human Resource Development ( HRD) in Springbok.

He further said the opening devotion was led by Chaplin Marsha Baard attached to the Employee Health and Wellness section. Andrews added that in attendance were Station and Unit Commanders, SAPS members, representatives from the Labour Unions (POPCRU and SAPU) and the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.

“The new constables stood proudly on parade, ready to embark on their policing journey. The members will be placed at various stations within the district to obtain workplace exposure in the field of policing. Captain Andre Baard, Head of Training, addressed the constables, shared valid and important information pertaining to the phases of their training.

“Messages of support were delivered by Shabedi from SAPU and Lewis from POPCRU, including Sekia from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. We reminded the members that they are no longer simply graduates, but guardians of the Namakwa District, entrusted with the safety and security and wellbeing of communities,” he said.

Andrews said their placement at stations and units is by design, rooted in the principles of policing and Section 205 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. He said the constitution is not just a legal document — it is the heartbeat of democracy, the promise of justice and the shield of every citizen.

“So, we urged them to recognise their duty as both constitutional and spiritual, a calling from God to serve with integrity, courage, professionalism and compassion. We also reminded them that wearing the SAPS uniform is not merely about the clothes and badge, but carrying the mantle of service, the responsibility of protection, and the authority of justice.

“We charged them to serve with discipline as their compass, dignity as their shield, and faith as their strength. We appealed to them to uphold the law without fear or favour, to walk the streets of Namakwa as symbols of hope and trust, and to remember that their daily “Bible” is the SAPS Code of Conduct,” said Andrews.

He blessed their journey with wisdom, courage, and faith, welcoming them to “the winning team.” Andrews said it reminded them that their role is not just a career, but a sacred calling to ensure that Namakwa remains a district where justice prevails and communities thrive.

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Missing Manrico Strauss found in Cape Town

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Picture: The missing Manrico Strauss/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 May 2025- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews said is pleased to inform the public that Manrico Strauss, who went missing on 9 May 2025, in Nababeep, has been located in Cape Town by the Sea Point Police and has been safely reunited with his family on 27 May 2025 in Nababeep. Andrews commended the Nababeep SAPS members, Sea Point SAPS and the community at large for their collaboration in tracing Manrico Strauss.

“This successful outcome restores the trust and confidence in the South African Police Service, showcasing their dedication to serving and protecting our communities,” he said.

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Picture: The missing Manrico Strauss/Supplied