The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner visited Upington and Paballelo in the ZF Mgcawu District today to assess the progress of the Safer Festive Season Operations.
She was joined by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads, and senior officers.
The visit commenced with a briefing by the Provincial Head for Operation Coordination, Brigadier Hennie van Rensburg, who presented the district profile and crime overview to the delegation.
Lieutenant General Otola then addressed members on an operational parade at the N14 weighbridge. She encouraged SAPS to strengthen partnerships with community structures that play a pivotal role in the prevention of crime. She urged all external stakeholders to be the eyes and ears of the police and report information regarding criminality.
The parade was followed by disruptive actions led by the ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili.
These actions commenced with a roadblock on the N14. External stakeholders, including the Community Policing Forum, officials from the Traffic Department, and Dawid Kruiper Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services participated in the stop and search duties.
Spaza shops in Paballelo were visited to ascertain compliance as well as foot patrols at the Upington taxi rank and visits to neighbouring shops.
The visit concluded with an engagement with shoppers at the Kalahari Mall, where the SAPS Provincial Band welcomed the delegation and entertained shoppers.
Disruptive actions will continue unabated in the district to address priority crimes, especially alcohol and drug related crimes, cross border crimes, gender based violence, property related crimes, and contact crimes.
Communities are encouraged to report any criminality to the police via the MySAPS App or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.