POLOKWANE- As the Safer Festive Season Operations under the theme Zizojika Izinto turning the tide against crime are gaining momentum, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mr Namane Dickson Masemola, accompanied by the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, are today, 15 November 2019, leading the crime fighting operation Swara Tsotsioperation in the Mahwelereng Cluster. These operations which were officially launched on 28 June 2019, have now been infused into Safer Festive Season operations which are currently underway across the province.
Operation “Swara Tsotsi”, which means ‘catch a thief’ has been one of the hard hitting operations held across the province to curb criminal activities. With the festive season already upon us, the management also deemed it appropriate to conduct high density operations and also mobilise the communities through Crime Awareness Campaigns, to ensure that the citizens of Limpopo are reminded to continue being considerate, responsible and vigilant to ensure their own personal safety and that of others.
Also leading in these activities, are the Deputy Provincial Commissioner Policing Major General Jan Scheepers, Provincial Operational Commander Brigadier Mangena, Mahwelereng Cluster Commander Brigadier Malahlela, Mokopane Station Commander Colonel Mantjane, Mahwelereng Station Commander Colonel Letsoalo, other senior officers and Government officials, Traffic and Hawks.
The Operation is being executed through roadblocks, stop and searches, compliance inspections at businesses including liquor outlets, tracing of wanted suspects and is comprising of various role players such as Government Departments, Traffic, police operational units in partnership with the community based crime structures.
The activities commenced with the multi-disciplinary parade at the Mokopane Crossing Mall. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba welcomed the members and thanked them for their punctuality, determination and discipline. Addressing the members during the parade, the MEC, expressed his appreciation towards the commitment displayed by the law enforcers and that they must operate in a manner to the extent that criminals find it impossible to operate in this part of the Waterberg District and around the Province. He Concluded by wishing the members a safe and successful operation
The members were then deployed for operational duties. The operation will focus on various crime hotspot areas around Mahwelereng Cluster including the Mokopane CBD, Malls and surrounding villages, targeting drugs, unlicensed firearms and ammunition, unlicensed businesses, liquor control, etc.
Operation successes will be communicated soon.
Source: South African Police Service