Law-enforcement authorities adopted the dual roles of both protectors and educators this past week.
In a series of roadblocks, police carried out mass searches while also handing out flyers highlighting the social ills facing women in the community. Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, and both Florida and Roodepoort Police joined forces under the Operation Basadi banner with the aim to promote issues affecting females this Women’s Month.
On the morning of 14 August, Florida Police set up at the corner of Albertina Sisulu and Westlake Roads where they searched over 180 people and almost 80 motor vehicles, with no serious incidents being reported.
“The women in blue of Florida Police and JMPD, led by Colonel Mulligan, conducted the roadblock,” said Florida Police spokesperson, Sergeant Mpho More.
“Cars were searched and we addressed gender-based violence by handing out pamphlets,” she continued. Roodepoort Police spokesperson, Captain Juanita Yorke also elaborated on their part, saying, “Women’s Month is celebrated by the members of Roodepoort Police, led in the field by Colonel Nkosi. The members are handing out flyers on domestic and gender-based violence, and educating the community whilst holding the roadblock.”
Members of the public are asked to carry the momentum of Women’s Month well past August to promote the respect and well-being of females in the community.
