Boots were on the ground in Midrand on August 19, as police and various law-enforcement stakeholders descended on Olifantsfontein Road and Summit Road for a roadblock to enforce traffic laws and clamp down on illegal activities.

The operation formed part of Midrand police’s Operation Basadi – Women in Blue, an initiative led by female officers as part of women’s month activities.

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Officers conducted stop-and-search operations, issued fines, and impounded vehicles during the operation, while motorists were searched for illegal firearms, stolen property, and other prohibited items.

The operation brought together the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Midrand Police Youth Desk, Community Policing Forum (CPF), Amapanyaza, Sandton police, private security companies, and other law-enforcement stakeholders.

Male police officers also joined their female counterparts in the operation. The day’s activities began with a parade at the Midrand Fire Station, after which officers and stakeholders proceeded to the identified hotspot.

Operation commander Lieutenant Colonel Thabitha Nthabiseng Magowa said the operation was aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and motorists in Midrand, while targeting criminal activities.

“Operation Basadi means, since this is our month as women, we are here to make sure that we combat crime. We look for illegal firearms, illegal items, [and] everything that is illegal.

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“We just want to make sure that everything is safe in Midrand. We have different stakeholders, like the JMPD, CPF and youth desk. We are having stations around, including Sandton, as well as security companies.”

Magowa said the involvement of male officers was equally important in ensuring the operation had the necessary support and resources.

“We are also having our male counterparts. Obviously, we can’t do this without them. So, we are going to make sure that Midrand is safe and people are safe and feeling safe.

“The reason why this area, is because this is one of our hotspots. We are having a problem in this area, whereby most of the hijacked vehicles are reported from this side.”

She said police had also received reports of stolen vehicles and property linked to the area stretching towards Olifantsfontein and Tembisa. “Most of the vehicles that are hijacked here are reported from this area, and some of the stolen items are reported stolen in this area.”

Grab a copy of the Midrand Reporter to read more about what transpired during the operation.

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