A multi-disciplinary initiative, Operation Phakisa, saw 20 people arrested for various crimes in Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay, Kleinzee, Hondeklipbaai, Groenrivier and Nuttabooi mine in the Namakwa District.
A MULTI-disciplinary initiative, Operation Phakisa, saw 20 people arrested for various crimes in Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay, Kleinzee, Hondeklipbaai, Groenrivier and Nuttabooi mine in the Namakwa District over February 25-28.
The joint operation included external law enforcement agencies and departments to address all forms of crime at sea and on land.
The operation was conducted under the overall command of the acting deputy provincial commissioner for policing, Brigadier Hennie van Rensburg.
Actions and activities executed included stop and searches, vehicle checkpoints, compliance inspections at local businesses and mines, sea and air patrols, compliance inspections to aquacultural farms and focusing on illegal harvesting and recreational fishing, drugs and other commodity smuggling.
SAPS Search and Rescue teams visited the harbour, ports and docking bays.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mashay Gamieldien said the Northern Cape Airwing was assisted by members of the Free State Airways in conducting air patrols along the shorelines and over the mining areas.
Gamieldien said Operation Phakisa specifically focuses on the enhancement and co-ordinated compliance and enforcement of securing South African waters and the coastal environment
“It is done through an integrated, multi-dimensional approach to ensure that the environment is conducive for the development of the ocean and economic security of the maritime zones,” said Gamieldien.
“The successes achieved included 112 vehicles and 162 persons stopped and searched at four vehicle checkpoints; five males arrested for dealing in drugs; 19 undocumented persons detained; and one male arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.
“Three traffic fines were issued amounting to R2,500 and two fines amounting to R1,750 for possession of undersized white Steenbras.”
Gamieldien added that customs officials seized counterfeit products and illicit cigarettes valued at R13,810.
Brigadier Van Rensburg expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the law enforcement agencies that were involved.
“They were lauded for the collective disruptive actions that were executed in an effort to protect marine life and protected species along the coastal areas in the Province.”
