Women in blue lead high-impact crime operation in Sedibeng
Police also searched 542 individuals and 223 vehicles, tested 35 cars for theft or hijacking links, and patrolled high-risk locations like malls, taxi ranks, banks, schools, filling stations, and liquor outlets.
VEREENIGING – Women police officers across Sedibeng took the lead in a major crime-fighting initiative, Operation Shanela Basadi, showing both leadership and commitment to community safety.
The two-day operation, focused on the Vereeniging precinct, was led by acting District Commissioner Brigadier Sibongile Ndaba with support from male colleagues and a wide range of partners, including Sedibeng SAPS units, Gauteng and Emfuleni Traffic, Community Safety, patrollers, AfriForum, Phoenix Tactical, Sekuriteit Sonder Grense, and Frontline of Hope Ministries. Chaplain Yolandi Wheeler opened the operation with a prayer and later served hot beverages to participants.
According to SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane, the operation delivered major results.
On August 15, 89 arrests were made through suspect-tracing, including cases of gender-based violence, assault GBH, burglary, fraud, rape, attempted murder, firearm-related crimes, and infrastructure tampering.
The following day, 17 more arrests were made during visible policing efforts, including liquor compliance inspections and hotspot patrols.
An additional 44 people were arrested for offenses such as drunk driving, drug possession, illegal gambling, and being undocumented foreign nationals.
A roadblock on the R82 Old Johannesburg Road was key, netting drunk drivers and undocumented persons. Police also searched 542 individuals and 223 vehicles, tested 35 cars for theft or hijacking links, and patrolled high-risk locations like malls, taxi ranks, banks, schools, filling stations, and liquor outlets. Drugs seized included crystal meth, Mandrax, and Nyaope, while traffic officers issued R3 500 in fines for violations.
Brigadier Ndaba praised the teamwork behind the operation.
“Each year on August 9, South Africans of all backgrounds, races, and cultures come together to celebrate National Women’s Day. This month marks an important chapter in our country’s history and reminds us of the critical role women continue to play in building a safer South Africa. Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo – You strike a woman, you strike a rock.”
