Deputy minister steps up Safer Festive Season policing in Upington

SAFER Festive Season operations were ramped up in Upington this week as the Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo, conducted an on-the-ground oversight visit to the ZF Mgcawu District, signalling a heightened law-enforcement presence ahead of the year-end peak.

The visit on December 19 formed part of government’s broader Safer Festive Season drive to boost police visibility, sharpen operational readiness and intensify crime-prevention efforts as communities move toward the start of 2026.

Boshielo was accompanied by the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, senior national and provincial police leadership, local government representatives and station commanders. The delegation was led by provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, who co-ordinated engagements across key operational sites.

During the visit, the delegation assessed how festive-season plans are being implemented on the ground in the Northern Cape, focusing on deployment levels, crime-prevention strategies, partnership policing, compliance inspections and community engagement. SAPS members on duty were addressed directly, while interactions were also held with residents and local businesses.

A multi-disciplinary parade on the N14 road between Upington and Olifantshoek set the tone for the day’s operations, with Otola formally welcoming the delegation. In her address, she acknowledged the efforts of officers and stakeholders and outlined priority focus areas for the festive period, including gender-based violence and femicide, violent crime, illicit mining, border security, alcohol abuse, drug trafficking, property-related crimes and road safety. 

She also urged communities to support policing efforts by reporting criminal activity.

Remarks from the MEC highlighted the importance of protecting police officers as they carry out their duties, while the keynote address by Boshielo commended the Northern Cape SAPS for professionalism and progress made in reducing crime, noting the heightened responsibility on law enforcement during the festive season.

The parade concluded with a march-past under the command of Colonel Gilbert Dikgetsi, after which operational activities continued with a roadblock at the N14 weighbridge, inspections at the Upington taxi rank and public engagements with shoppers at the Kalahari Mall, accompanied by the SAPS provincial band.

.During the walkabout, the deputy minister engaged residents and paid special attention to elderly community members, including 84-year-old Katrina Dealie, as part of a broader message of safety and care.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, Safer Festive Season Operations will continue across the province throughout the holidays and beyond, with police maintaining a strong presence to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.