The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has commended an alert police official whose keen observation and decisive intervention resulted in the arrest of a 40-year-old Nigerian male national and the seizure of suspected illicit drugs, cash and suspected stolen electronic goods in Kimberley.
The incident occurred on Friday, 11 September 2026, at 09:00, at two locations in Kimberley, namely in West End and a residential premises in Herlear.
The police official, attached to the Northern Cape Provincial Operational Response Services, was on duty when he briefly returned to his private residence to collect a wallet that he had inadvertently left behind.
Upon arrival, the member observed what appeared to be a suspicious transaction taking place in close proximity to his residence. Acting swiftly, the officer intervened and confronted the individual involved.
The suspect was subsequently arrested after suspected illicit drugs, believed to be khat, were found in his possession. Undisclosed cash, suspected to be proceeds of crime, and three cellphones were also seized during the initial intervention.
The officer immediately requested operational assistance, and members of Kimberley SAPS responded to the scene.
During the subsequent investigation, the suspect was requested to identify his residential premises for further police enquiries.
The suspect initially provided an incorrect address in New Park, but later disclosed his correct residential address in Herlear. A further search conducted at the Herlear premises resulted in the seizure of six cellphones and four Samsung tablets, with an estimated combined value of approximately R160 000-00.
A vehicle was also confiscated as it is believed to have been used in the commission of crime.
The electronic devices are suspected to be stolen property and will form part of the ongoing investigation to establish their origin and rightful ownership.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court soon, facing charges relating to possession of suspected illicit drugs and possession of suspected stolen property.
Additional charges may follow as the investigation progresses.
SAPS remains resolute in implementing the SAPS Reset Agenda, particularly its commitment to intensify crime prevention, disrupt criminal networks and dismantle the illicit drug trade that fuels other forms of serious and violent crime.
The illicit drug trade has no place in our communities. SAPS members will remain vigilant, proactive and uncompromising in identifying and disrupting criminal activities.
Every seizure and arrest contributes to dismantling the networks that supply drugs to our communities and exploit vulnerable people, particularly young people.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue working with the police by providing information regarding suspected drug dealers and other criminal activities in their communities. Information can be provided anonymously via the #CrimeStop number 08600 10111 or through the #MySAPSApp.
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