KIMBERLEY – A multi-disciplinary team clamped down on crime through the execution of Operation Phakisa across the coastal areas of the Namakwa District from Thursday, 18 December 2025, until Monday, 22 December 2025.
Targeted actions were conducted in Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Groenriviermond, Brazil, Sandkop, Rooiklippies and Hondeklip Bay.
Several South African Police Service Specialised Units, in collaboration with officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Home Affairs, Customs, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform and San Park, executed a concerted intervention to address criminal activities affecting the marine environment.
Disruptive actions resulted in the arrest of three (3) undocumented foreign nationals and two (2) arrests for the contravention of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
Actions carried out during the operation included the searching of vessels, stop-and-search actions, high-visibility foot, vehicle and vessel patrols, and vehicle check points. In total, 1 229 individuals and 429 vehicles were thoroughly searched.
Fines totaling R12 850-00 were issued for the contravention of the Liquor and Gambling Act 6 of 2004, the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 and the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998.
Compliance inspections were also conducted at harbors, launching sites, fish processing establishments, restaurants and campgrounds to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
Seizures totaling R464 100-00 included snoek and two motor vehicles.
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola reaffirmed that the continued success of such operations relies on sustained partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community.
She assured the public that decisive action will remain focused on combating priority crimes as well as protecting the fauna and flora of the Namakwa region specifically and thereby strengthening the safety and security within affected communities.
Information can be shared anonymously via the MySAPS app or by contacting the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
