35 arrested in Operation Retshepeng in Phalaborwa
Police arrested 35 people in Operation Retshepeng in Phalaborwa, including 15 undocumented foreigners and a suspected drug trafficker.
PHALABORWA – Police arrested 35 people for various offences during a multidisciplinary Operation Retshepeng conducted in the Phalaborwa policing area on Friday, September 18.
The operation, led by Limpopo commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, together with deputy provincial commissioners Major Generals Fredrinah Sebola and Lesiba Mashilo, was conducted from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The operation brought together the police, the departments of Labour and Home Affairs, LEDET, private security companies and other law-enforcement stakeholders.
Police conducted roadblocks, business inspections, stop-and-search operations and other activities aimed at disrupting criminal activities, strengthening compliance and enhancing community safety.
The arrests
| Offence | Number arrested |
|---|---|
| Undocumented foreigners | 15 |
| Drug trafficking (drugs valued at R50 000) | 1 |
| Selling expired food | 2 |
| Charging and sweeping | 1 |
| Possession of suspected stolen property | 2 |
| Possession of dagga | 2 |
| Using dagga | 1 |
| Possession of copper cables | 1 |
| Hiring undocumented foreign nationals | 1 |
| Counterfeit goods | 6 |
The operation also resulted in 30 traffic summonses being issued and three shebeens being closed.
Detectives record further successes
Meanwhile, detectives recorded further successes through investigations and the tracing of wanted suspects.
These included:
- Five counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm
- Four counts of common assault
- Two counts of violating protection orders
- One count of intimidation
- One count of dealing in dagga
- Two counts of theft
- Two counts of malicious injury to property
- One count of possession of illicit cigarettes
- One count of common robbery
- One count of fraud
- One count of robbery with a weapon other than a firearm
- One count involving the alleged pointing of someone as a wizard
Scheepers: Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust
Addressing police members during the parade, Scheepers reminded them that every interaction with a member of the public is an opportunity to build trust in the police.
He urged members to carry out their duties with discipline, integrity and respect, emphasising that effective leadership involves guiding, supporting and inspiring officers to serve communities to the best of their abilities.
Scheepers also emphasised the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), calling on members to remain firm in addressing such crimes and to ensure that victims receive the necessary care, dignity and urgency when seeking assistance from the police.
Court appearances pending
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts soon.
Police investigations are continuing.
