Tag Archives: together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing

Safer Festive Season Operations in a full swing

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Picture: One of the suspects arrested/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 December 2025- The police in Northern Cape said safer festive season operations are in full swing across the Namakwa District as they intensify efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety. The police said on 17 December 2025, disruptive operations were led by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a multi-disciplinary roadblock was conducted at the N7 weighbridge in Springbok, during which 138 vehicles and 320 individuals were stopped and searched. Ehlers said traffic fines amounting to R1300 were issued for various violations.

“These operations were followed by a crime intelligence-driven intervention after information was operationalised regarding suspected drug dealing at premises in Concordia. A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the seizure of hydro dagga with an estimated street value of R125 785.10, as well as a substantial amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities.

“A man (37) was arrested in connection with dealing in drugs. Disruptive operations will continue in identified hotspot areas to address priority crimes during the festive season and beyond,” 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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Police Stations in JTG District receive VFRs

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Picture: Police receive Victim Friendly Rooms/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in John Taolo Gaetsewe District received furniture for Victim Friendly Rooms. An official handing over event was held in Heuningvlei on 7 January 2025, where several stations within the district were beneficiaries.  

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, the acting District Commissioner for the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi and the Provincial Head for Pro-Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, handed over a vehicle and furniture to be utilised by Heuningvlei, Severn and VanZylsrus SAPS to efficiently equip Victim Friendly Rooms.

Otola said the services offered by the police in these rooms are of vital importance to ensure that victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual offences receive comfort and support after suffering traumatic experiences.

“This occasion is symbolic of our dedication and obligation towards creating a safe and secure environment for the vulnerable members of our community. These facilities provide a safe haven for victims, where they will receive counselling and other related essential services where they can feel safe and protected from their abusers.

“The policing of crimes against women, children, and vulnerable groups remains a priority for the police. The victims are urged to break the silence and report incidents to the police via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111,” she said.

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