West Coast poachers hit in week-long police sweep from Port Nolloth

Police in the Northern Cape ran a week-long multi-disciplinary operation along the West Coast from 11 to 17 October 2026, targeting marine poaching, illicit mining and the illegal harvesting of protected plants in the Richtersveld.

Operation Haliotis Midae II, named Mother of Pearl, was conducted at Port Nolloth in the Namakwa District. SAPS said the operation was aimed at addressing all forms of criminality at sea and on land, in line with an approved operational plan, with particular focus on preventing the poaching of marine resources and protecting the coastal environment.

The land-based component also covered the monitoring of both the legal and illegal liquor trade, disrupting the smuggling and distribution of narcotics, and compliance with relevant legislation in the operational area.

SAPS said the poaching of marine resources, the illegal harvesting of protected plant species and illicit mining have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of communities along the West Coast, and that these activities require a coordinated and sustained law enforcement response.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, said SAPS remains committed to working with government departments, specialised law enforcement agencies and other strategic partners against criminal activities that threaten communities, natural resources and the environment.

SAPS did not state in its statement how many arrests were made, what was seized, or whether anyone has been charged. The operation was described as intelligence-driven and as an example of integrated policing and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and government departments. SAPS said it will continue to intensify efforts against crime in the Northern Cape, particularly in vulnerable coastal and border areas.