MOPANI DISTRICT - The South Africa Police Service in Limpopo conducted an intensive Operation Basadi in the Mopani District since yesterday, until the early hours of Saturday, 20 August 2022.

The operations displayed the active role female police officers are playing in law enforcement and focused on combating priority crimes particularly against women and children, such as rape, assault, domestic violence, increased visibility in hot spot areas, wanted suspects, stop and searches for illegal items such as drugs and illegal firearms, enforcement on non-compliance on the Liquor Act including closing of illegal shebeens.

The women in blue were derived from various police units in all the four districts of the province and provincial office such as Crime Intelligence, VCIU, LCRC, FCS, K9, Communications, EHW, Hawks, Detectives, VPO and Limpopo Highway Patrol supported by their male counterparts. The stakeholders who participated included Traffic Officials, Department of Home Affairs, LEDET, Community in Blue and YCOP members.

The early operations were led by Station Commander of Mahwelereng, Colonel Maja together with Station Commander of Bolobedu, Colonel Maluleke and other senior female officers. The operations were manned through roadblocks along R71 road, Majeje entrance. The District Commissioner of Mopani, Major General Willy Mashava also visited the members performing their duties.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Mashila led the operations that commenced in the evening conducted in the Namakgale policing area.

In her address, she said police' presence must be felt in this area and members must execute their duties diligently and safely.

The operation saw the arrest of six suspects for contravening the Immigration Act, one for possession and dealing in dagga, one for possession of suspected stolen property (copper cables) and one suspect for public indecency. In addition, 57 fines were issued for contravening the Road Traffic Act (RTA) and 10 fines for none compliance on Liquor Act. Police also confiscated liquor, copper cables and dagga.

Source: South African Police Service