On Friday (18/7), the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, led the day’s activities in the Frances Baard District, with key support from Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, and Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari. 

The leadership team was joined by provincial heads, senior officers, and members from provincial components, district structures, as well as local police stations. Together, they participated in various crime prevention operations and initiatives designed to honour the late anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

Search operations conducted by SAPS members in the Northern Cape on Mandela Day. Photo: SAPS

The day began with a series of coordinated crime prevention operations across all five districts of the Northern Cape. These operations included roadblocks, stop-and-search activities, and compliance inspections aimed at curbing the most pressing criminal threats in the region. 

The operations specifically targeted gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), extortion, drug-related offences, the proliferation of firearms, murder, and vehicle and truck hijackings. These strategic efforts aligned with the broader goal of maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law in the province, said Northern Cape police spokesperson Col. Cherelle Ehlers.

She emphasised the importance of these simultaneous operations, noting their role in showcasing a unified and coordinated crime-combatting strategy. She said the operations were conducted across all five districts as part of a unified, province-wide effort to fight crime and create safer communities.

After the successful operations, a special event was hosted at the Reformed United Church in Rietvale. The event, which was attended by several key figures, was organised under the leadership of Brig. Irene Kopeledi, the Provincial Head for Proactive Policing and Champion of the SAPS Women’s Network. 

Maj. Gen. Charlotte Makgari delivered the welcoming address, setting the tone of unity and reflection, highlighting the need for continued community collaboration to tackle the challenges faced by the province.

Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lt Gen. Koliswa Otola. Photo: SAPS

The keynote address was delivered by Lt Gen. Koliswa Otola, who focused on the importance of maintaining trust between the police and the communities they serve.

“We recognise the critical role we play in building trust and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and the public. Our approach is rooted in community policing, where we work hand-in-hand with residents, businesses, and civil society to address safety concerns. 

Items donated to senior citizens from Rietvale in the Northern Cape. Photo: SAPS

“Through initiatives like Operation Shanela II, we are enhancing visibility, disrupting criminal networks, and promoting public safety. Today and beyond, we pledge to continue working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, uphold the law, and protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Otola.

Police members, along with Buhle Ntsenge from the National Youth Development Agency, distributed essential items such as blankets to help alleviate the hardships faced by senior citizens in the community.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg