At this year’s Free State Provincial Excellence Awards of 2024-’25, Operation Knock Out was honoured with the “Best Operational Team” title in the Team of the Year category for Operations levels 5-7.
The awards were held at the Woodlands Country lodge in Parys on 14 January.
WO Tsepo Tjalkosi received recognition as the Best Individual Commander for Operations in the Employee of the Year category for Operations levels 5-7, specifically for his outstanding contributions to Operation Knock Out.
Addressed illegal mining
In early 2019, Ernie van Rensburg, regional manager of Bidvest Protea Coin Free State – Mining Division, identified the need for immediate action to address illegal mining in the Goldfields. He engaged in discussions with Harmony Gold Mine and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to explore potential solutions.
Operation Knock Out commenced on 1 July 2019 in the Lejweleputswa District as a collaborative effort to tackle illegal mining in the region.
The main participants in this initiative included Harmony Gold Mine, SAPS, and Bidvest Protea Coin. The operation concluded on 31 December 2025.
The success of Operation Knock Out at provincial level served as the foundation for Operation Vala Umgodi, which was subsequently developed at national level.
Dedicated to combatting crime
In January 2023, WO Tjalkosi of the Bloemfontein Public Order Policing assumed command of Operation Knock Out, serving with distinction throughout his tenure. His approach and dedication to combating crime earned him individual recognition in 2024.
“The success and statistics of Operation Knock Out highlight the significant impact of collaborative law enforcement efforts in combating illegal mining activities,” says Van Rensburg, reflecting on the achievements realised through the operation.
The recognition received by both the team and its commander demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated action between private security, mining companies, and law enforcement agencies in addressing illegal mining challenges in the region.
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