The Provincial Commissioner for the Northern Cape, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola led Operation Teka Hinkwaswo that was executed on Friday, 12 August 2022 in Kimberley.

The operation focused on drugs, the proliferation of firearms, contact and trio crimes in the Kimberley CBD.

This female led operation comprised of members from the SAPS Provincial office, Public Order Policing, Tactical Response Team, Kimberley SAPS, Provincial Visible Policing, Provincial Operational Command Centre, Corporate Communication, Kimberley Mounted Unit, Kimberley Flying Squad members on motor bikers, Search and Rescue unit, the Traffic Department and Home Affairs.

The Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Brig Hennie van Rensburg, Provincial Head for Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management, Brig Thabo Moeng, who is also the Northern Cape Women's Network Champion, the Acting Provincial Head for Visible Policing, Col Maggie Ndzutha, the Acting Provincial Commander for Police Emergency Services, Lt Col Collin Qunta, Provincial Search and Rescue Commander, Capt John Seeley and several other role players spearheaded the initiative.

The team also conducted disruptive actions at the Craven Street Taxi Rank and confiscated abandoned dagga found on a roof concealed in plastic bags.

The team proceeded to the Indian Centre Taxi Rank and pounced on a shop dealing in dagga , space mushrooms, pollen Cannabis powder, Cannabis Cigars, Dagga cookies, Cannabis lollies other illegal items.

The estimated street value of the drugs and items seized is estimated at approximately half a million rand.

Three adult males and one female was arrested for dealing in dagga and will be appearing in the Kimberley Magistrates Court soon.

Police held random Vehicle Check Points in the CBD and surrounding areas and stopped and searched vehicles and passengers as part of the disruptive actions.

The Provincial Commissioner for the Northern Cape, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola thanked the team for their collective efforts to squeeze the space for criminals and warned criminals that police will be out in full force to ensure that our streets are free from illegal activities during women's month and beyond.

Source: South African Police Service