Women police officers take charge
Due to the recent unrest and looting in many parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, police also looked out for motorists transporting suspected looted items.
In commemoration of Women’s Day, Scottburgh Saps women took charge at a roadblock on the N2 Park Rynie offramp southbound on Monday morning this week.
The female officers conducted the roadblock under the Operation Basadi umbrella, and were supported by other law enforcement roleplayers such as the South African National Defence Force, male Saps members and Road Traffic Inspectorate Park Rynie.
The purpose of the roadblock was to search and seize illegal weapons, drugs, alcohol and counterfeit goods, as well as to charge those in contravention of the Road Traffic Act.
Due to the recent unrest and looting in many parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, police also looked out for motorists transporting suspected looted items.
Motorists and commuters who failed to provide proof of purchase for bulk items being transported in their vehicle, had the goods seized by police and were told to bring back a receipt to claim the items. No receipts were shown.
Several items seized during the morning included buckets of paint, packs of cold drink, soaps and deodorants. Police also found a commuter transporting counterfeit cigarettes and bottles of alcohol.
This operation also gave authorities an opportunity to ensure that non-compliance of the Disaster Management Act was monitored in terms of commuters wearing masks while travelling in public vehicles such as taxis.
Throughout the the roadblock, female Saps members handed out pamphlets to women promoting women empowerment, and were of course wished a ‘Happy Women’s Day’ by some of the obliging motorists.
Scottburgh Saps station commander, Colonel Ralph Ruiters commended his team, especially the women for their work at the roadblock.
“Our women are very competent and dedicated as they celebrated Women’s Day on duty fighting crime. We appreciate their commitment to the job and for making a difference and serving this community,” he said.
The National Commissioner of the Saps, General Khehla John Sitole, acknowledged and appreciated the work done by South African women under Operation Basadi too.
Scottburgh Saps women plan on doing more for their community in Women’s Month, including a beach clean up soon.
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