Kimberley crime crackdown: Police put ‘more boots on ground’ in festive season safety push

LAW ENFORCEMENT agencies joined forces in a show of visibility and enforcement during a Safer Festive Season operation in Kimberley this week.

The large-scale operation on October 16 brought together members of the Frances Baard District Office, Public Order Police, Tactical Response Team, K9 Unit, Flying Squad, Kimberley SAPS, and other specialised divisions, supported by traffic officials and Transnet personnel.

The joint team kicked off their duties with a formal parade addressed by the deputy provincial commissioner for Policing, Major-General Johnny Besnaar, before fanning out across the city to carry out inspections and road checks.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane, compliance inspections were conducted at scrap metal dealerships, leading to the confiscation of suspected stolen copper cables and wire. Two fines, amounting to R5,000, were issued for contraventions related to the dealing of burned cables under Section 25(4)(b).

Vehicle checkpoints proved equally busy, with 119 vehicles and 284 people searched. Officers issued several traffic fines totalling R11,100, executed one warrant of arrest, and handed out admission-of-guilt fines worth R3,000.

The second phase of the operation saw high-visibility patrols rolled out across Kimberley to boost public confidence and deter criminal activity.

Sergeant Gopane noted that these intensified enforcement efforts will continue throughout the festive period and beyond, with “more boots on the ground” to ensure a safer holiday season for all residents.