23/12/2024
DEPUTY MINISTER OF POLICE URGES HARD ACTION ON CRIMINAL DURING SAFER FESTIVE SEASON OPERATION INSPECTION TOUR
Deputy Minister of Police, Boshielo, led the Safer Festive Season Operational Inspection Tour in Limpopo on Sunday, 22 December 2024. She was joined by Polokwane Municipality MMC for Community Services, Cllr Joosuf Pemma, Acting Deputy National Commissioner for Support Services, Lieutenant General Lineo Nkhuoa, and Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
The tour was aimed at assessing the Province's operational readiness for the Safer Festive Season campaign.
Also in attendance were Ms. Jane Mulaudzi, Chief Director for Transport Regulations, Head of Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Ms Nhlane-Mthimkhulu, Major General Jan Scheepers (Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing), Major General Samuel Manala (Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection), Major General Mashilo, District Commissioner of Capricorn, Station Commanders, senior officers, and representatives from various organizations, including Mr. Fannie Kgopa from Eyes of the Nation.
The visit began with a parade featuring SAPS, Home Affairs, National and Provincial Traffic Police at the University of Limpopo, followed by activities such as roadblocks, spaza shop compliance checks, community engagement, and a walk-about at Paledi Mall in the Mankweng Policing area.
Lieutenant General Nkhuoa emphasized that the Deputy Minister's visit was focused on ensuring a secure and enjoyable holiday for all citizens. She stressed the importance of overseeing the implementation of the SAPS Festive Season Operational Plan, which aims to increase police visibility, prevent crime, and ensure a swift response to incidents.
In her address, Deputy Minister Boshielo urged officials to serve with pride, emphasizing the responsible use of their tools of trade and upholding the Constitution while ensuring criminals are held accountable.
Lieutenant General Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, called for improved collaboration among law enforcement agencies in order to realise impact clduring the Festive Season.
The entourage also visited a roadblock on the R71, where stop-and-search operations were conducted in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and National and Provincial Traffic Police. This was followed by spaza shop compliance checks and a community engagement session at Paledi Mall.
The Deputy Minister and her entourage also visited the scenes of two fatal accidents that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 22 December 2024, along the N1 North at Motox, Botlokwa. The accidents, which occurred in the same area but at different times, claimed the lives of seven people and left 13 others hospitalized.
The operations led to numerous arrests and confiscations, including 15 suspects for crimes such as assault, malicious damage to property, and fraud. Additionally, 13 fines were issued for violations of the Liquor Act during raids at liquor outlets. Six illegal immigrants were arrested at the roadblock on the R71, and 38 traffic summons were issued, totaling R2,945. The operations highlighted the Province's ongoing commitment in ensuring that residents are and feel safe during this Festive Season.