Home » Crime

Operation Phakisa remains steadfast in protecting the coastal environment from illegal activities in the Namakwa District

on in Crime

An integrated multi-disciplinary intelligence driven operation dubbed Operation Phakisa, which means “hurry up,” was executed in the Namakwa District from Thursday, 26 September 2024 to Sunday, 29 September 2024 in Kleinzee, Groenrivier, Port Nolloth, Hondeklip Bay and Alexander Bay.

The maritime operations were jointly executed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Provincial Border Policing, Border Policing, Search and Rescue, Springbok K9, Springbok Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU), Springbok Crime Intelligence, the Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit, Department of Home Affairs (Immigration) and South African National Parks (SANPARK).

During the coastal patrols, including foot, vehicle, and vessel patrols, a total of 115 vehicles and 329 persons were stopped and searched at vehicle check points.

Compliance inspections were conducted at businesses, harbors, launching pads, camp sites, and aquaculture premises.

During coastal patrols, two male suspects were arrested in Kleinzee for operating a fish processing establishment without a permit under the Marine Act.

Three undocumented persons were arrested in Port Nolloth.

A fine of R2500-00 was issued for employing undocumented persons during construction site visits in Port Nolloth, and one suspect was arrested for possession of drugs in Port Nolloth.

The police confiscated several items, including drugs, cash, two Bosch engine hammer mills, and fourteen and a half bags of dry kelp with a total value of approximately R 87 960-00.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the cooperation between the police and other government entities in ensuring that there is a collective effort in policing and preserving marine resources along our coastal areas situated in the Namakwa District.

Tags: