A multi-disciplinary initiative dubbed Operation Phakisa was executed in Port Nolloth, Hondeklipbaai, Groenwater and Vioolsdrift specifically focusing on the enhancement and co-ordinated compliance and enforcement of securing of the South African waters and coastal environment through an integrated multi-dimensional approach to ensure that the environment is conducive for the development of the ocean and economic security of the maritime zones.
Illegal and unregulated harvesting activities have been and are continuing to have significant negative impact on the coastal environment and maritime resources, including infrastructure which results in substantial economic, employment losses and impact on food security.
The operations also focused on the current COVID 19 mitigation efforts to secure the sea borderline and to ensure the safety and security of the SA citizens.
The focus areas addressed during this operation included illegal activities in relation to marine related crimes and illicit sand mining.
An integrated multi-disciplinary approach was followed and various internal and external roleplayers were involved in the execution of operations inclusive of SAPS units namely,
Port Nolloth SAPS, Springbok VCIU unit,Upington Water Wing, Provincial Border Policing, Kimberley Airwing, Kimberley Search and Rescue, Provincial Corporate Communication, Provincial Human Resource Utilization, Namakwa District Crime Intelligence, Springbok POPS, Springbok K9, SARS Customs, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, SANPARKS, Development Mineral Resources and Energy, the Department of Agriculture,Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Affairs, State Security and the Department of Home Affairs.
Actions and activities executed during the commencement of the operation on 26 August 2021 and concluded on 29 August 2021 included, stop and searches, Vehicle check points and foot patrols, compliance inspections to local bussinesses and mines, Aqua cultural farms, drugs and other commodity smuggling and reptile smuggling and compliance visits to the harbour ,ports and docking bays.
During the 3 days operations an unlicensed firearm was seized in Port Nolloth. The police intercepted a vehicle on the gravel road leading to Kleinzee and found the diamonds hidden in the underwear of the male suspect.
2 Males were arrested for Dealing in drugs, 1 for traffic offences, 1 for attempted murder and 1 for possession of illegal firearm.
The arrested suspects will soon appear in the Port Nolloth court.
Source: South African Police Service