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 police and other stakeholders pray against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Col Koliswa Otola said, community members should unite in the quest to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Otola said they will need everyone’s contribution to end the pandemic.
“We hosted the GBVF Inter-Faith/Moral Regeneration Prayer Service at the Galeshewe Traffic Circle on 2 November 2023 under the theme: “Let Jesus say something in the midst of your challenge.”. The event commenced with a motorcade and prayer walk led by male spiritual leaders from Galeshewe Police Station at 9am and proceeded to the Galeshewe Circle.
“The church service was opened with interfaith prayers by different religious leaders and the welcoming address delivered by Frances Baard District Commissioner, Maj Gen Johan Bean,” she said.
Otola further said the Provincial Chairperson for Spiritual Crime Prevention, Rev Shimane Morake shared the same sentiments. She added that Morake outlined the service was focused on GBVF and seen as a build-up to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.
“Messages of support were offered by the Moral Regeneration Movement from the Office of the Premier, GAMIFRA, the Rastafarian Community, and the Provincial Community Police Board. Policing GBVF remains one of her priorities in combating crime in the province.
“Efforts are reinforced in order to address all contact crimes. The actions will be more focused, intensified, and enhanced on GBVF during 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Festive Season, and beyond by ensuring more boots on the ground,” said Otola.
She said they are working with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Crime Fighting Organisations, Community in Blue Patrollers, and all other relevant stakeholders. Otola said Operation Shanela actions will be enhanced and intensified throughout the province, specifically focusing on hotspot areas.
“The sermon of the day was directed by Presiding Elder Bernett Phoko. Intercessory prayers focusing on GBVF, police safety for the festive season, youth, and substance abuse were also offered by church leaders.
“The day was concluded with the vote of thanks by Major Gen Lekhele, who appreciated the Programme Director, the Provincial Pro-Active Crime Prevention representative, Abraham Tsoone, for spearheading the event in conjunction with all relevant role players, sponsors, and the community,” she said.
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