High density operations across the Northern Cape province continues to net successes by relentlessly continuing to focus on and clamp down on all crimes.
Various disruptive actions were executed in all five districts in the province, namely Frances Baard, John Taolo Gaetsewe, Namakwa, Pixely Ka-Seme and ZF Mgcawu districts.
Operations commenced on Thursday, 25 May 2023 and concluded on 28 May 2023.
Operations focused on addressing the proliferation of firearms, execution of roadblocks and vehicle check points, tracing of wanted suspects, enhanced and increased police visibility in all hotspot areas, shebeen raids and visits to liquor outlets, stock theft, damage of essential infrastructure especially theft of copper cables, gender based violence and femicide, contact crimes, trio crimes, compliance inspections at second hand dealers, stop and searches, drug trafficking and dealing as well as other crimes.
During this period 50 premises were searched, 3156 persons with 1369 vehicles stopped and searched and 298 business premises visited across the province.
A total of 87 arrests were affected throughout the province for various crimes including robbery aggravated, attempted murder, assault GBH, burglary, driving under the influence of alcohol and drug related crimes.
Large amounts of liquor was seized during shebeen raids as well as drugs including Tik and mandrax and cash.
During the same period the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola in conjunction with the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Ms Nomandla Bloem and the MEC for Agricultural, Environmental Affairs and Land Reform, Ms Mase Manopole and other stakeholders hosted the Rural Safety Summit in the JTG district.
A community engagement was also held at a well-known tavern in Batlharos where the community was addressed by SAPS, the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board, the NPA, CPF, Liquor Traders Forum as well as other stakeholders in a bid to create awareness on gender based violence and femicide as well understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Liquor board and other departments. A pledge – “Say no to GBVF was signed by all the stakeholders pledging their support and commitment to eradicating and preventing GBVF.
The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Ngubelanga and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Lekhele on 24 May 2023 visited a high school in Batlharos accompanied by the NPA, NC Gambling and Liquor Board, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the Community Policing Board and Traditional leaders as part of the Safer Schools programme. They handed over dignity packs to female learners of the school.
Lt Gen Otola has emphasised that the police will continue unabatedly to stamp down the authority of the state and reclaim the community from criminals and ensure that all residents are and feel safe in their respective communities.
Source: South African Police Service