A multi-disciplinary initiative, Operation Phakisa was executed in Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Hondeklipbaai, Alexander bay, Bontekoe mining area and Groenrivier specifically focusing on the enhancement and co-ordinated compliance and enforcement of securing of the South African waters and coastal environment through an integrated multi-dimentional approach to ensure that the environment is conducive for the development of the ocean and economic security of the maritime zones.
The operation also focused on the current COVID 19 mitigation efforts to secure the sea borderline and to ensure the safety and security of the SA citizens.
Activities also addressed illegal activities in relation to maritime related crimes and illicit sand mining. An integrated approach was followed and various external departments and SAPS internal units and components were involved, namely Port Nolloth SAPS, Springbok Vehicle Investigation unit, Upington Water Wing, Provincial Operational Response Service, Provincial Operational Co-Ordination Centre, Provincial Corporate Communication, Namakwa Crime intelligence, SARS Customs, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (Vomplianve, Biodiversity, Ocean and Coastal enforcement) and the department of Mineral Resources and Engergy .
Actions and activities executed since the commencement on 16 October 2020 until 18 October 2020 included:
stop and searches, vehicle check points and foot patrols , compliance inspections to local businesses, mining areas, visits to recreational fishing areas and the harbour , ports, docking bays and the marina.
Eight fines were issued amounting to R6750-00 for Traffic Offences, two fines issued for contravention of the Marine Living Resources. Act 18/1998- permit not available for inspection.
A fine was also issued by DEFF for possession of Steenbras fish amounting to R500-00.
Expired products was confiscated by Customs (SARS) amounting to R3 420-00 and an enquiry was opened after seven bags of diamond bearing gravel was confiscated.
