KIMBERLEY – Combatting crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement over the festive season and beyond led to a series of operations executed across the province.
These disruptive actions were carried out through targeted intelligence-driven operations, enhanced visibility patrols by multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams, and active community involvement from Monday, 20 October, until Sunday, 26 October 2025.
Police blue light and foot patrols conducted in crime hotspot areas resulted in the stopping and searching of 2,560 motor vehicles and 4,914 persons during numerous roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints across the five districts Frances Baard, John Taolo Gaetsewe, ZF Mgcawu, Namakwa, and Pixley Ka Seme.
A total of 290 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including dealing in drugs, illegal liquor trading, possession of drugs, murder, rape, assault, and burglary. Detectives also conducted tracing operations for wanted suspects evading arrest.
Drugs, dangerous weapons, and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were confiscated. Compliance inspections were carried out at farms, mines, businesses, liquor outlets, and second-hand goods dealers.
On Thursday, 23 October 2025, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the MEC for Transport, Safety, and Liaison, Ms. Limakatso Koloi, officially launched the Safer Festive Season Operation in Sunrise, De Aar, under the theme: Combatting crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement.
Lieutenant General Otola reassured communities that police operations will continue unabated throughout the festive season. She applauded all law enforcement teams for stamping the authority of the state and ensuring public safety. She also urged communities to actively report crime and warned against harboring or aiding criminals, emphasizing that doing so makes one complicit in crime.
