Female police officers make a clean sweep during Operation Basadi
On the eve of Women’s Day, a team of 230 female police officers arrested 37 suspects and confiscated a large number of illegal items, including drugs, weapons and various items used in illegal mining activities.
The successful launch of Operation Basadi on Thursday, August 8 – the eve of Women’s Day – proved female police officers are more than capable of tackling crime.
This according to the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi.
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A bold and successful operation saw more than 230 women participating, including the SAPS’s National Intervention Unit, Visible Policing, Detectives, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units, Tacjoc, Tactical Response Team, Forensic Unit, Airwing, Rapid Rail Police Unit, Thaba Chweu law enforcers, The Department of Correctional Services, Polsec, SANDF, CPFs, the Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts as well as other law enforcement agencies.
Ehlanzeni’s acting district commissioner, Major General Dorah Xaba, was part of the leadership in the operation that resulted in the arrest of 37 suspects on Thursday.
During the operation, a significant number of illegal items were confiscated. These include 22.5kg of dagga with an estimated street value of R33 750, as well as various tools and equipment used in illegal mining activities. Weapons such as knives, pangas and phendukas, and seven stands, two spades and six shovels, eight gas cylinders, two generators, 5kg of copper cables, two wheelbarrows, two picks, as well as 100 steel balls and six motors were also confiscated by the team of women. Most of the seized items are believed to have been used by those involved in illegal mining activities.
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“These seizures are an indication of the hard work and dedication displayed by the women officers involved in the operation,” said Mkhwanazi.
Among the arrested suspects, six were found to have contravened the Immigration Act of South Africa as they had no valid documentation to be in the country.
An additional 31 suspects were apprehended for crimes against women and children, ranging from robbery and assault to rape and murder.
One particularly notable arrest was that of a 24-year-old serial rapist who had a warrant for his arrest. This suspect was sought for multiple rape cases committed in KaMhlushwa between March 2020 and November 2021. The team cornered him in Hazyview during the operation.
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Mkhwanazi further emphasised the vital role women in the police play in carrying out policing duties effectively. “The success of Operation Basadi serves as a testament to their capabilities and dedication to serving and protecting the community,” he said. “We are very happy with the exceptional work our female members performed, and as part of celebrating Women’s Day, we want to honour you for your continuous efforts as well as commitment in the fight against crime. You are a beacon of hope for society. On behalf of the SAPS family in the province, continue to ensure safety for the citizens. Happy Women’s Day and be safe at all times.”
