POLOKWANE – Anti-drug activist and community safety advocate, Oageng Makhura, has raised concerns about some complacent police officers in Polokwane who reportedly engage in gambling during official working hours in the central business district (CBD).

Makhura was invited on Saturday to deliver a message of support during the South African Taxi Council (Santaco) prayer day, held in preparation for the festive season.

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Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe was present, with religious and spiritual leaders, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MEC of Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye, Santaco president Abnar Tsebe, and Polokwane Mayor John Mpe.

They reflected on measures to improve safety for commuters, drivers and pedestrians during the high-traffic festive period of 2025/26.

Makhura, the founder of Limpopo Anti-Drug, Gangsterism and Crime, started by congratulating Hadebe for collaborating with her subordinates to ensure a safe environment however, he expressed concern over police officers participating in gambling activities in uniform during work hours.

“Right now, some of your bakkies, Ms Hadebe, are parked outside a location in the Polokwane CBD, when they should be transporting individuals involved in abuse of women and children. I dare you to send just one bakkie there, it will return with eight police officers in uniform who were gambling. Try it,” he said.

These and other robust discussions were aimed at improving holistic community safety, with both Hlengwa and Mathye agreeing on the need for action.

Meanwhile, Tsebe highlighted that the taxi council is “professionalising” the industry, including staff training workshops on customer service and commuter safety.

Speaking at the national prayer day held at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium, he said: “Understanding the industry beyond simply transporting passengers enhances safety and ensures taxis remain a reliable mode of transport”.

Mathye added that her department is prepared to handle the increased traffic volumes in Limpopo during the festive season. Religious leaders prayed and sang throughout the rainy day, asking for divine intervention to protect commuters, communities and visitors to Limpopo.