SAPS in Northern Cape commemorates Mandela Day with the community

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape commemorated Mandela Day by conducting crime prevention operations and engaging with the community.

Led by senior officials, the event emphasised unity, shared responsibility, and partnership in ensuring safety and combating crime. SAPS members also donated essential items to elderly community members, showcasing their commitment to serving and supporting the community, in line with Nelson Mandela's legacy and values.

Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, spearheaded Mandela Day celebrations in Modderrivier's Frances Baard District, joined by Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, and Major General Charlotte Makgari, Frances Baard District Commissioner.

Senior police officials and members from various units, including Vala Umgodi and local stations, collaborated on crime prevention operations across the province.

These joint efforts included roadblocks, stop-and-search initiatives, and compliance inspections, focusing on key areas such as gender-based violence, extortion, narcotics, firearm proliferation, murder, and vehicle hijackings.

The operations were conducted simultaneously in all five districts, showcasing a unified approach to combating crime.

Provincial Mandela Day event

The Provincial Mandela Day event took place at the Reformed United Church in Rietvale, led by Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, Provincial Head for Proactive Policing and Champion of the SAPS Women's Network and Men for Change. Major General Charlotte Makgari welcomed attendees, fostering a spirit of unity and reflection. Brigadier Kopeledi outlined the event's purpose, highlighting the occasion's focus on honouring Nelson Mandela's legacy as a champion of justice, equality, and human rights.

“As members of the South African Police Service, we reflect on Madiba’s values and strive to uphold the principles of integrity, professionalism, and service,” said Brigadier Kopeledi.

The keynote address was delivered by Lieutenant General Otola, who reiterated the SAPS’s core mandate to protect and serve all communities, uphold the law, and ensure justice for all.

“We recognise the critical role we play in building trust and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and the public,” said Lieutenant General Otola.

“Our approach is rooted in community policing, where we work hand-in-hand with residents, businesses, and civil society to address safety concerns. Through initiatives like Operation Shanela II, we are enhancing visibility, disrupting criminal networks, and promoting public safety.”

Madiba's values

She concluded by reaffirming SAPS’s dedication to the values Madiba stood for:

“Today and beyond, we pledge to continue working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, to uphold the law, and to protect the most vulnerable among us. We strive to be a beacon of hope and trust, embodying the values of integrity, professionalism, and service that Nelson Mandela represented.”

Major General Mphuthi expressed gratitude to the community for their partnership with law enforcement, emphasising that a safer environment requires unity and shared responsibility. She acknowledged the support from community structures, civil society, and government stakeholders.

In a gesture of appreciation, SAPS members and Mr. Buhle Ntsenge from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) donated essential items to elderly community members. The event was part of broader commemorative activities held across the province, aligning with the Mandela Day theme: “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

In honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, members of SAPS Springbok and the District Stabilisation Team united to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children from Springbok and Bergsig by distributing warm soup meals.

Mandela Day in Steinkopf

Steinkopf SAPS, in collaboration with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison and the Steinkopf Youth Desk, hosted a commemorative event in honour of Nelson Mandela Day.

The children enjoyed an interactive experience with police officials. They were given an educational tour of the Steinkopf Police Station, including the Victim-Friendly Room and the interrogation room.

They learned about the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, including his pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid.

After the interaction, each child received a snack pack as a token of appreciation.

The event placed a strong emphasis on the values of forgiveness, leadership, unity, and compassion – principles embodied by Madiba.

It served as an opportunity to encourage the youth to grow up with respect, discipline, and empathy for others.