The South African Police Service (SAPS) Deputy Commissioner for Corporate Services in the Northern Cape, Major General Thabo Elizabeth Mphuthi, expressed concerns regarding the failure of foreign national tuckshops to comply with the closing hours stipulated in their operating licenses.
During her keynote address at a provincial community imbizo held in Concordia, Namakwa District, on Thursday, October 17, Mphuthi highlighted the importance of adherence to regulations.
The event served as a platform for community members to express their grievances related to service delivery to various stakeholders from district governmental departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mphuthi pointed out that non-compliance with these regulations exposes tuckshops to risks such as robberies, assaults, and even homicides.
She noted that “Concordia has been recognized as a hotspot for contact crimes, including rape, assault, and burglaries affecting both homes and businesses.” This was notable despite the Namakwa police stations reporting a slight decrease of -1.8% in 17 community crime cases for the 4th quarter of 2023/24 and the 1st quarter of 2024/25 Crime Statistics in the province.
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A resident of Concordia, Deliah, raised concerns about the prolonged delay in the construction of the local police station. “It has been over two years since we were promised a police station, yet there is no sign of construction,” she said. “The nearest police station is over 20 kilometers away in Nababeep, which complicates the situation for those without transportation to report crimes. Furthermore, police response times are lengthy, as they often misuse state vehicles and drive recklessly.”
Mphuthi urged tuckshop owners to collaborate with their foreign national tenants to ensure that their shops close on time.
With the festive season approaching, Mphuthi announced the initiation of the “Safer Festive Season Operation” on November 1 in Port Nolloth, themed “Combating Crime Through Decisive Police Action and Robust Community Involvement.” She reassured both residents and tourists, whether domestic or international, that police presence will be heightened to improve safety during and after the festive period.
