A total of 163 arrests were made during the police in the West Rand District’s major efforts dubbed Operation Basadi during the Women’s Day long weekend.
Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, the West Rand District and Bekkersdal Police spokesperson, said operations started as early as 6am on Friday, 7 August and continued until 6am on Monday, 10 August.
Police across the West Rand District, National Defence Force members and other law-enforcement agencies were involved.
Those arrested were linked to a variety of crimes ranging from rape; common robbery; possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition; pointing a firearm; possession of suspected stolen property; possession of drugs; theft; attempted theft; malicious damage to property; assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm; and domestic-violence related assault.
Other arrests pertained to undocumented persons; trespassing; shoplifting; failure to comply with the National Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 regulations; selling liquor and cigarettes; illegal gatherings; and land invasion.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the respective magistrates’ courts soon.
What made this operation different is that Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner handed over his responsibilities as the District Commissioner to all senior female officers to lead the three-day operation.
He said, “August is the month when women celebrate their achievement and successes through leadership, hard work and dedication. I handed over my responsibilities to all senior female officers to take the lead as we continue to fight crime, specifically the scourge of gender-based violence, and at the same time enforce the Disaster Management Act regulations.”
He also wished all female officers and women in general a happy Women’s Month under the theme, Generation equality: Realising women’s rights for an equal future.
I would like to thank and applaud all police women who took the lead and were supported by the men in blue, also the South African National Defence Force and other law-enforcement agencies in ensuring that those who broke the law were brought to book. We are here to work,” he concluded.
