Police net R105k illicit goods haul in Northern Cape coastal operation
SAPS’s Operation Phakisa resulted in nine arrests, fines, and seizures worth over R105,000 during a crackdown on crime in the Namakwa District’s coastal areas.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
OPERATION Phakisa, conducted between Wednesday, October 22, and Sunday, October 26, targeted criminal activities affecting the marine environment along the Northern Cape coastline, including Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Hondeklip Bay, Groenrivier, and Alexander Bay.
The multi-disciplinary operation brought together several South African Police Service specialised units, working in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Home Affairs, Customs, the South African National Defence Force, and SANParks.
The co-ordinated effort resulted in the arrest of nine individuals for contravening the Immigration Act. In addition, fines totalling R6,750 were issued for violations of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
Disruptive actions included vessel inspections, stop-and-search operations, high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, and vehicle checkpoints. A total of 354 individuals and 183 vehicles were searched. Compliance inspections were also conducted at harbours, launching sites, fish processing facilities, restaurants, and campgrounds to ensure adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
Items seized included hydro dagga with an estimated street value of R36,000 and illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R69,693 – bringing the total value of confiscated goods to more than R105,000.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community.
“The continued success of such operations relies on sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community,” she said. “We remain focused on combating priority crimes as well as protecting the fauna and flora of the Namakwa region, thereby enhancing safety and security within affected communities.”
Members of the public are urged to share information anonymously via the MySAPS app or by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
The SAPS-led Operation Phakisa resulted in multiple arrests, fines, and seizures in the Northern Cape’s coastal region.
Image: Supplied / SAPS