OPERATION Basadi in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro recently culminated in various simultaneous operations held across the metro by female officers of the South African Police Service, Metro Traffic, Metro Police and Provincial Traffic, in celebration of Women’s Month.
As part of the SAPS delivering on its mandate, including marking the achievements of women in policing, various activities and operations, led by women, started at midnight on August 20, with detective female officers conducting raid operations for wanted suspects.
According to a statement released by police, the operation continued at 06:00 the next day, in the form of roadblocks, stop-and-search exercises and prioritising cases involving the most wanted criminals that have committed sexual offences. Visits were also conducted to communities and places of safety by VISPOL and the Detective Service (FCS), supported by the Women’s Network and Men for Change, to inform community members, especially women, about the procedures for reporting cases of gender-based violence.
Brig. Leonie Bentley, from Humewood police station, Brig. Lindelwa Vellem from KwaZakhele and Metro Police Chief, Yolandi Faro, led their teams of strong and dedicated women through the streets of KwaZakhele, Bethelsdorp, Gelvandale, New Brighton, Motherwell, Uitenhage, KwaNobuhle, Despatch and Kamesh.
“The combined successes achieved, resulted in 34 arrests, including crimes such as theft, possession of drugs, housebreaking, attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, domestic violence and sexual assault,” the statement read.
“A total of 70 fines were issued by metro traffic, metro police and provincial traffic with a combined total value of R71 700. Confiscations included Mandrax and Stilpane tablets, Crystal Meth dagga, DVD players, a stolen firearm and recovered hijacked vehicle.
The recovered vehicle was found abandoned in New Brighton. It was reported as stolen earlier this month in the Humewood area.”
At approximately 13:00, while members of the Gelvandale police station were busy with Operation Basadi, three members followed up on information received about a possible firearm in a blue Uno vehicle in Schauderville.
The vehicle was spotted in Jarman Street, Schauderville and pulled over. Upon searching the vehicle, a revolver was found underneath the passenger seat.
The .38 special revolver was reported as stolen in Walmer in January 2019.
There were three occupants in the vehicle. The firearm was confiscated and an inquiry docket opened for further investigation. The firearm will be sent for further analysis.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Thembisile Patekile, visited some of the operations led by his senior officers and expressed his appreciation to all the women who worked and contributed to the success of Operation Basadi in the metro.
“The SAPS is proud of our women who have rightfully taken their positions as leaders and have proven to be the real architects of society.
“The significant number of arrests made within 12 hours by our female law enforcement officers is commendable,” Patekile said.
