Operation Phakisa, a joint maritime patrol in the Namakwa District coastal areas, resulted in multiple arrests, the confiscation of illegal items, and significant fines for non-compliance during a four-day initiative aimed at enhancing maritime safety and preserving marine resources.
A COMPREHENSIVe, intelligence-driven operation dubbed Operation Phakisa (“hurry up”) was conducted in the Namakwa District from September 26 to September 29, targeting several coastal towns including Kleinzee, Groenrivier, Port Nolloth, Hondeklip Bay and Alexander Bay.
Sergeant Molefi Shemane, a spokesperson for the Northern Cape police, reported that the operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies. These included the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Provincial Border Policing, Search and Rescue, Springbok K9, Springbok Vehicle Crime Investigation, Springbok Crime Intelligence, the Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit, the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration), and South African National Parks (SANParks).
During the operation, which included foot, vehicle, and vessel patrols, a total of 115 vehicles and 329 individuals were stopped and searched at various checkpoints. Compliance inspections were also carried out at businesses, harbours, launching pads, campsites, and aquaculture premises.
Key arrests and actions included:
- Two male suspects were arrested in Kleinzee for operating a fish processing establishment without a permit under the Marine Act.
- Three undocumented individuals were arrested in Port Nolloth.
- A R2,500 fine was issued for employing undocumented persons at a construction site in Port Nolloth.
- One suspect was arrested for possession of drugs in Port Nolloth.
The police also confiscated several items, including drugs, cash, two Bosch engine hammer mills, and 14 and a half bags of dry kelp valued at approximately R87,960.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, praised the cooperation between the police and other government entities, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in policing and preserving marine resources along the Namakwa District’s coastal areas.
