Operation Phakisa, a joint operation with a multi-disciplinary law enforcement agencies which included the South African Police Service, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment and Customs and Department of Home Affairs clamped down criminal activities along the West Coast Line, in Port Nolloth, KleinZee, Groenrivier, Hondeklipbay and Alexanderbay.
Operation Phakisa, kicked started with a bang on Wednesday, 17 until Sunday, 21 November 2021. The operation focused on crimes against Marine Living Resources and undocumented persons. Stop and searches were conducted to ensure that those who are illegally transporting the Marine Living Resources without valid documentation are brought to book.
Premises were cordoned off and searched, vehicle checkpoints, sea borderline patrols, stop and searches were conducted.
A total of 12 premises were searched and raided and a 154 vehicles were stopped and searched;
12 Persons were stopped and searched and
Compliance inspections were conducted at 3 business premises.
During the operation more than five suspects were arrested in Port Nolloth, Lutzville respectively for contravention of Marine Living Resources. The suspects were found in possession of more than 70 West Coast Rock Lobsters including Rock Lobster Tails, 485 limpets and for possession of 100 snoek fish without a valid permit.
A total of 7 undocumented persons were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act. One suspect was arrested in Hondeklipbay subsequent to be found in possession of the copper cables. A 17-year-old man was also arrested in Port Nolloth and charged for being in possession of drugs, subsequent to be found in possession of a crystal meth.
The South African Police Management in Northern Cape commends the various law enforcement agencies for their collective participation in Operation Phakisa by ensuring that criminal activities along the West Coast are dealt a blow, by bringing the perpetrators to book.
Source: South African Police Service