Law enforcement agencies took decisive action against criminal activity along the Namakwa District coastline through Operation Phakisa, which ran from Wednesday, 22 October to Sunday, 26 October 2025.
The multi-agency initiative focused on Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Hondeklip Bay, Groenrivier and Alexander Bay with the goal of disrupting illegal activities affecting the marine environment.
A coordinated team comprising SAPS specialised units, officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Home Affairs, Customs, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and SANParks conducted a range of disruptive and compliance actions throughout the operation.
These included vessel searches, stop-and-search operations, high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols and vehicle checkpoints. In total, 354 individuals and 183 vehicles were searched. Compliance inspections were also carried out at harbours, launching sites, fish processing facilities, restaurants and campgrounds to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
The joint effort resulted in the arrest of nine individuals for contraventions of the Immigration Act while fines totalling R6 750 were issued for violations of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996. Authorities also confiscated hydro dagga valued at R36 000 and illicit cigarettes worth approximately R69 693.
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the collaborative effort, emphasising that the success of operations like these depends on continued partnerships between law enforcement and the community.
She reiterated that the SAPS remains committed to taking decisive action against priority crimes while protecting the fauna and flora of the Namakwa region and strengthening safety and security across affected communities.
