Pic: Some of the illegal items confiscated during Operation Basadi
By Kopano Dibakwane
The launch of Operation Basadi by Mpumalanga police was praised by the Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General(Dr)Zeph Mkhwanazi, as a sign that women in the South African Police Service(SAPS) are capable of fighting crime with the same dedication as their male counterparts.
Operation Basadi was launched on the eve of Woman’s Day(8 August) and it was led by more than 230 women from SAPS(National Intervention Unit, Visible Policing, Detectives, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, TACJOC, Tactical Response Team(TRT), Forensic Unit, Airwing, Rapid Rail Police, the districts of Gert Sibande, Ehlanzeni and Nkangala), in conjunction with Thaba Chweu Local Municipality law enforcers, Department of Correctional Services, POLSEC, South African National Defence Force(SANDF), Community Policing Forum(CPF).
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, 37 suspects were arrested on various charges and the arrests were led by senior female officer and the Acting District Commissioner of Ehlanzeni, Major-General Dorah Xaba.
“ A significant amount of illegal items were confiscated, including 22.5 kilograms of dagga worth approximately R33,750 in street value. Various tools and equipment used in illegal mining activities, and weapons such as knives, 21 phendukas with 7 stands, 2 spades and 6 shovels, 8 gas cylinders, two generators, five kilograms of copper cables, 100 steel balls as well as 6 motors were some of the items that were confiscated by the team of women at work,” said Mdhluli.
He added that some of the suspects were arrested for crimes against women and children, ranging from rape and murder, to robbery and assault. Mdhluli said a 24 year-old suspected serial rapist with numerous warrants was arrested.
“ This suspect was sought for multiple rape cases committed at KaMhlushwa between March 2020 and November 2012. He ran out of luck as the team cornered him in Hazyview during the said operation,” said Mdhluli.
Major-General Mkhwanazi said the success of Operation Basadi is testament to the dedication shown by women police officers in their duty to serve and protect the community.
“ We are happy with the exceptional work that our female members performed and as part of celebrating Women’s Day, we want to honour you for your continuous efforts as well as a commitment in the fight against crime. Happy Women’s Day and be safe at all times,” said d Mkhwanazi.
