The Northern Cape and Free State SAPS Water and Diving Services, under the command of Provincial Head for Police Emergency and FLASH Services, Brigadier Amicus Alberts, successfully executed Operation Haliotis Midae, targeting abalone poaching and other coastal crimes in Hondeklip Bay and Port Nolloth, Namakwa district.
The multi-provincial operation, which ran from 18 February to 24 February 2026, focused on crime committed on both land and at sea with particular emphasis on illegal marine harvesting and its environmental impact.
Teams included divers and skippers from both provinces, Captain Marilè Wessels, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, members of the Upington K9 Unit and the Northern Cape and North West SAPS Airwing.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, visited Port Nolloth during the operation, engaging with personnel on the ground and overseeing disruptive actions.
During the operation, 60 vessels—including two diamond-mining vessels—were inspected at sea and fishermen’s permits were verified. Shoreline patrols covered approximately 300 kilometres of coastline stretching from Alexander Bay to Groenrivier. Aerial support from the North West SAPS Airwing helped identify potential illegal diamond mining sites and safeguard ocean resources.
Beyond operational duties, the teams engaged in community outreach. On 19 February 2026, they visited Kleinzee Sentrum vir Leer en Ontwikkeling, and on 20 February, they addressed learners at Marian Gedenk Primary School and community members at Hondeklip Bay harbour.
Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien spoke on general crime prevention and encouraged community participation in policing structures. Brigadier Amicus Alberts and Warrant Officer Morne Kock provided lessons on water safety and introduced the various vessels used in search and rescue operations at sea, dams, canals and rivers.
Warrant Officer Mitch Diedericks also presented his service dog, Leroy, to the learners. The day concluded with hands-on demonstrations allowing learners to inspect vessels and the SAPS chopper, an Airbus H125, which was a highlight of the programme.
Operation Haliotis Midae exemplifies the effectiveness of interprovincial collaboration in safeguarding South Africa’s coastal environment, protecting marine life and fostering stronger community ties.
