A MULTI-disciplinary operation, Operation Phakisa, executed in the coastal regions of the Namakwa District from Thursday, February 13, to Sunday, February 16, has been hailed as a success in curbing illegal activities tied to marine crimes, drug trafficking, and the influx of undocumented immigrants.

The operation, led by Colonel Kolakele Sontsi as the overall commander, saw the participation of various entities and departments. These included the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), SANParks, SARS Customs Unit, SAPS, and the Department of Home Affairs, all working together to enforce regulations and prevent illegal activities.

Colonel Sontsi, supported by Colonel Sibusiso Msimango as operations commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Adrian Riddles overseeing the Joint Operations Centre (JOC), and Thulani Mthombeni of the DFFE, executed a range of planned actions across the towns of Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Brazil, Koingnaas, and Alexander Bay. Their primary focus was to combat marine-related crimes, ensure strict compliance with ranching, fishing and harvesting regulations, and address the ongoing issues of drug smuggling and undocumented immigration.

Operation Phakisa successfully curbed marine crimes, drug trafficking and illegal immigration in Namakwa District’s coastal areas through multi-agency enforcement actions, inspections, and arrests. Picture: SAPS

Key actions during the operation included compliance inspections, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), foot and vehicle patrols, and the interception of illegal goods.

In a series of VCPs on the Port Nolloth-Alexander Bay and Port Nolloth-Kleinzee roads, officers stopped and searched 107 vehicles and 211 individuals. Four motorists were fined for driving without valid driver’s licences.

Operational successes included the inspection of fishing permits at harbours, camping sites and launching pads. At one location, mullets worth R800 were seized, with the business owner issued a fine of R1,500 for violating the Marine Living Resources Act. Furthermore, Afzal and Sahawi cigarettes worth R30,000 were confiscated from business owners who failed to provide proof of purchase.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of 13 undocumented foreign nationals and the issuance of fines to two business owners in Port Nolloth and Kleinzee, who were found employing illegal immigrants. Each business owner was fined R2,500.

Major-General Johnny Besnaar, the deputy provincial commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, emphasised the commitment of the SAPS, in co-operation with the DFFE and other stakeholders, to protecting the sea environment and marine resources. He highlighted the operation as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal and unregulated activities along the province's coastal regions.

“This operation forms part of our continuous efforts to safeguard the integrity of our coastal areas. The fight against marine-related crimes and illegal immigration remains a top priority for the SAPS,” stated Besnaar.

The success of Operation Phakisa is a clear signal that law enforcement agencies will continue to work collaboratively to ensure the protection of the Northern Cape’s marine resources and uphold regulations against illegal activity along the province’s coast.