West Rand Police kick Women’s Month off with stern warning from Brigadier
The West Rand police continues with their operation Okae Maloao in Women's Month – not only were their roadblocks a success, but they held awareness campaigns as well.
Operation O Kae Molao has been making great strides in combating crime on the West Rand.
The Women’s Month leg of the operation kicked off on 5 August, with participants celebrating 25 years of democracy.
“The policewomen in the West Rand District kick-started Women’s Month on a high note by conducting various roadblocks, under the leadership of the District Visible Policing Commander, Brigadier Mashadi Selepe, as part of Operation O Kae Molao,” explained a statement from Constable Gloria Maswanganye.
This Women’s Day marks the 63rd anniversary of the historic 1956 march, in which 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings.
“9 August celebrates the women who led the march to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government’s control over the movement of black women in urban areas.”
The statement said that August should be celebrated with activities throughout the country to commemorate women’s achievements.
“It is also during this time that the whole West Rand district takes stock of the challenges that persist in crimes perpetrated against women and children.”
This is why the women from the West Rand District’s law enforcement agencies are embarking on various crime prevention initiatives that will run throughout the month.
On Monday, roadblocks were set up on the R24 and N14 and the operation yielded positive results. Numerous arrests were made, including six suspects who were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and 20 undocumented foreign nationals.
During the operation, 400 vehicles and 1 053 people were searched. About 27 traffic fines to the value of R24 050 were issued. The team also distributed 500 pamphlets addressing women and children abuse and gender-based violence.
The R24 and N14 were chosen specifically because they have been deemed high-risk hijacking areas.
Selepe issued a stern warning regarding crimes that are perpetrated against children and women.
All the suspects who were arrested are to appear in court soon.
