Women-led operation yields success
Operations will continue throughout the city in the lead up to the festive season.
Under the guidance of Colonel Reginah Rampota, support head at the Benoni Police Station, more than 50 female SAPS members, Gauteng Crime Wardens, EMPD and SAPS community patrollers ended Women’s Month by participating in Operation Basadi (women) on August 28.
Officers took to the CBD during the high-density operation, which included a vehicle check-point on Bunyan Street, inspections at liquor outlets as well as second-hand dealers and creating awareness regarding gender-based violence.
“According to crime analysis threads, the CBD has been identified as a hotspot for property crimes, including theft of and from motor vehicles as well as contact crimes such as robbery,” said Vispol commander Colonel Sinothi Ndaba.
“With the festive season steadily approaching, we used this opportunity to increase police visibility throughout the city, sending a strong message to criminals that their misdeeds will not be tolerated.”
He said that management of the police station are meeting with the South African Defence Force (SANDF) in an effort to launch a decisive multidisciplinary operation in areas plagued by illegal mining activities.
“The time for talking is over, zama zamas operating along Golden Drive need to be dealt with effectively, to restore law and order in our city.”
Addressing officers before dispatching them to their various operational duties, Colonel Rampota urged female officers to be assertive when performing their duties.
“We are here to show the community that we take their concerns seriously and that we can deal with criminal elements swiftly,” she said.
Operation successes include:
• 16 arrests for contravention of the immigration act.
• Eight traffic fines, valued at R4 000 were issued.
• Two liquor outlets were closed and R1 500 fines were issued to each for contravention of the liquor act.
• A total of 311 vehicles and 559 individuals were searched.
“We are determined to fight crime and ensure that justice is served,” said Ndaba.
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