Operation Duty Calls usually takes place closer to the Festive Season but this year it already kicked off on 1 July.
The Record was invited along on 15 August to experience one of the SAPS’ big operations. Neither the Record nor the SAPS members knew where the roadblock was going to take place in order to prevent leaks.
First up there was a parade at the Roodepoort Town Hall where all the different clusters gathered – Honeydew, Orlando, Moroko, Florida and Krugersdorp. Members of the Immigration Unit were present as well. The men and woman were briefed and finally the Record, who was accompanied by Constable Vincent Mashiteng, was informed that the roadblock would be on Impala Road, close to Tshepisong.
Just about every second car were directed to stop and thorough searches were done, specifically looking for drugs and weapons. Cars’ engines, boots and interiors were searched as well as drivers and passengers.
During this roadblock, that lasted about two hours, no arrests were made.
This was followed by a shebeen and drug raid in Tshepisong, but unfortunately the Record could not accompany the men and woman in blue.
