VANDERBIJLPARK – Operation Basadi in Sedibeng District recently culminated in various simultaneous operations held across Vanderbijlpark by female law enforcers.
The two-phased operation consisting of Gauteng Traffic, Crime Prevention Wardens, and Correctional Services among other law enforcement agencies was conducted in line with celebrating Women’s Month.
Operation Basadi is a multidisciplinary and female-led joint operation that aims to lay down the authority of the state in visible policing patrols.
Starting the day with a roadblock along Barrage Road in Vanderbijlpark on Tuesday, August 08, and ending with a sting operation in Bophelong, scores of women in uniform enforced the law.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, District Commissioner, Major General Nkhensani Lemba explained the operation.
“We embarking on operation Basadi which will be carried out in phases, including roadblocks, and a sting operation. We have closed both lanes on Barrage Road in search of all things that are illegal, from firearms, cigarettes, and drugs, to name a few,” she said.
“We previously worked in silos as cops, but now working with other law enforcement agencies as per the district model. Each department plays a role in this collaboration,” she said.
Lemba said they will continue to conduct operations throughout the month.
“This is the beginning of many other operations that we will be doing. Going forward, we are going to create committees and engage on the social and criminal ills of our region. Our theme in Sedibeng is ‘we do better when we know better’,” she said.
In a new twist, Lemba shed light on her few weeks in office as a commissioner of Sedibeng.
The bubbly, and straight-to-the-point officers said she still remains excited to be operational and be on the ground.
“Since my arrival, I have hit the ground running and have already been to four Okae Molao operations. I make sure I am always out and about, leading my colleagues from the front. Having a rank doesn’t stop me from dirtying my hands and showing them what needs to be done. We can do more when we work as a team,” she said.
