Operation Basadi was conducted today, 27 August 2021 in the province, led by the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela. Operation Basadi is a crime combating initiative comprising largely of female law enforcement officials in partnership with other role players, including the SAPS, the South African National Defence Force, Local Traffic, Provincial Traffic, Transport Inspectorate, National Traffic Police, Nkomazi Local Municipality, the department of Home Affairs, and the department of Public Works.
The formations within the security cluster went all out today to clamp down on crime and reinforce safety. The citizens in the province witness the women taking charge and displaying their enthusiasm in creating safer environment for the community.
Lieutenant General Manamela further vowed to do all in her power as the Provincial Commissioner to squeeze the space for perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence. This follows the recent shocking incident in which the body of Ms Patricia Juliet Ndlovu, aged 26 from Marite near Hazyview was identified by her family yesterday, Thursday, 26 August 2021. Her body was sadly recovered in the Crocodile River at Kanyamazane on Sunday, 22 August 2021 with gunshot wounds. It was also revealed that Ndlovu was pregnant at the time of her death. The news sent shock waves as it occurred during the celebration of women’s month. The Provincial Commissioner further extended a hand to the citizens to assist government to achieve the ultimate goal of ensuring that vulnerable groups, including women and children live in a safer environment by providing information about crime and criminal activities.
Businesses were monitored during the operation, including banks, shops, and filling stations. Vehicles and persons were searched as well as increased visibility on the roads. Six summonses worth about R9000-00 were issued by these astute women meanwhile a person was locked up for drinking in public. The energetic women also came with an initiative of sharing some safety tips for women like avoiding hitch-hiking and giving lifts to strangers. About 3000 pamphlets were distributed as such. In one of the roadblocks, at Nkomazi, the MEC for the Mpumalanga department of Public Works, Ms Mohita Latchminarain, visited the adorable members just to give them a moral support.
The operation coincided with the court appearance of a 41-year-old man who was arrested on rape charges involving a 36 year old woman from Saselani near Bushbuckridge. An additional charge of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm was also leveled against the man. The incident is said to have occurred on 23 August 2021. The suspect was remanded in custody and he will appear again on 30 August 2021 for a formal bail application. No serious crime were reported during the time of the operation which shows that indeed the province was in the capable hands today.