72 people arrested in Musina during female-led cross border operation ‘Basadi’
Among those arrested were 18 undocumented immigrants
LIMPOPO – A multi-disciplinary, cross-boarder, joint operation named ‘Basadi’, as part of Operation Fiela II composed of Saps woman from various police units in all levels of command throughout Limpopo.
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According to police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the operation was in conjunction with women from other law enforcement agencies, namely the SANDF, provincial traffic officers, municipal traffic officers, Department of Home Affairs customs officials, the Department of Correctional Services and the Zimbabwean Police Force.
Ngoepe says the operation began in the early hours of Thursday morning, 17 May, in the Musina policing area.
“It was led by Saps Provincial Commissioner Lt. General Nneke Ledwaba and he was accompanied by Deputy Provincial Commissioners: Major General Christine Morakaladi and Major General Jan Scheepers; women cluster commanders; provincial heads; unit commanders, station commanders and operational members. Traffic Police were led by the Chief Director of Traffic Regulation and Road Safety, Jane Mulaudzi, the SANDF were led by Major Kgomongwe and the Zimbabwean Police force was led by Superintentend Nekhathi with two hundred police women,” he explained.
The operation comprised of road blocks, stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrol, visiting of businesses to deal with illegal trades and fake goods, dealing with undocumented people, tracing of wanted suspects with the objective of dealing and preventing various crimes including cross boarder crimes.
“The areas covered included the Baobab Toll Gate, the Beitbridge Port of Entry, Musina Weigh Bridge , Musina CBD and Zimbabwen areas adjacent to the Beitbridge Boarder Line,” Ngoepe explained.
Among those arrested were:
– 18 undocumented immigrants.
– Five people for illegal trade of liquor.
– Three people for violation of the customs regulation.
– 43 people for violation of the Road Traffic Act.
– Two people were arrested for selling illegal goods.
Furthermore, one vehicle was impounded, 847 people were searched and 331 motor vehicles were searched.
“During the operation, illegal cough mixture and ointments were confiscated. The illegal immigrants will be processed accordingly and the other suspects will appear before the Musina Magistrates Court soon,” he said.
