Tag Archives: the Northern Cape Police Commissioner

First Quarterly Review Session Underway

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Picture: The delegates at First Quarterly Review Session/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

19 August 2025 – The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola is currently hosting the First Quarterly Review Session at the Kimberley Police Station Gymnasium. The two-day session commenced this morning and is attended by the five District Commissioners, Provincial and 92 Station Commanders across the province.

Otola is accompanied by the Provincial Management, includes the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Keagekae Besnaar, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi.

The Northern Cape Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the purpose of this session is to review the performance of provincial components, districts, and stations in terms of service delivery and crime reduction for the first quarter (April–June 2025) of the 2025/2026 financial year.

Litabe said the proccedings were officially opened with a prayer and devotion led by Chaplain Cornelius Shupinyaneng, followed by messages of support from the labour unions, POPCRU and SAPU.

“In her keynote address, the Provincial Commissioner highlighted critical issues affecting service delivery across all SAPS environments.

“She urged commanders to take ownership and accountability in their respective areas, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline among members and employees,” he said.

Litabe further said, Otola called for proper management and safeguarding of state resources to ensure they are well-maintained at all times. She added that the session will continue with presentations and interactive engagements from attendees over the next two days.

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Public urged to refrain from publishing unverified information  

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 July 2025- The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said after lodging an internal investigation, she can confirm that the details depicted in the social media post currently circulating is not that of Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, the Acting District Commissioner of John Taolo Gaetsewe District.

Otola said the investigation revealed that the details are not that of a public servant.

There are allegations that the person by the name of Kenneth Baloyi has close ties with the accused, Vusimuzi Matlala and he was once the Director of his company. According to allegations, the said Baloyi was appointed as a Captain in Kuruman Police Station due to his connection with Matlala.

“The police are making an urgent plea to the public to refrain from posting unverified or incorrect information on social media platforms without verification as it portrays negatively on the organization and implicated persons involved,” she said.

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16 undocumented foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining

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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.

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‘Promotion comes with responsibility’

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Picture: Some police officers promoted/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 March 2015- The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola conferred ranks to the newly promoted officers and members of the SAPS at the Provincial Headquarters during an Extended Provincial Crime Combatting Forum Management meeting in Kimberley on Monday.

Otola was joined by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Policing, Major General Keagekae Besnaar, Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the District Commissioner of Frances Baard, Major General Gabathata Makgari.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said in attendance, were the Provincial Heads of various components, while the other four District Commissioners with their respective stations linked via the virtual platform. Litabe sais the newly promoted officers, whose appointment date is 1 March 2025, included Colonel Itumeleng Pudule (The new Provincial Head of Employee Health and Wellness Services),

Lieutenant Colonel Mosimaneotsile Letsapa, the new Station Commander of Kathu,

Lieutenant Colonel Bakang Kgwadi, the new Station Commander of Keimoes.

“These members, Captain Tebogo Oliphant (Plooysburg), Captain Aloycia-Motlatsi (Hondeklipbaai), Captain Xolani Ralarala (Vanwyksvlei), Captain Renard Setlhabi (Onseepkans), Captain Anel Thiro (Marydale), Captain Melvin Wales (Phillipstown), Captain Frank Witbooi (Olifantshoek), Captain Silulami Nomyayi (Fraserburg) and Captain Johannes Bekker (Aggenys), were appointed to the rank of Captain as new Station Commanders.

“Prior to conferring the ranks, Otola invited the new appointees into the EPCCF meeting so that they could catch a glimpse of what she expects from the station commanders,” he said.

Meanwhile, in her congratulatory message, Otola indicated that with the new rank comes new responsibilities and accountability. She said before they make her proud, they must make themselves proud.

“We also urged them to take command of their respective offices and not be intimidated by any person.” She said.

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Residents in Northern Cape lauded for professional conduct during elections 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

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.

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The law enforcement agencies in Northern Cape ready for General National Elections  

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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. 

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Gender-Based Violence Prayer Ahead Of 16 Days Of Activism  

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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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