In honour of Women’s Day, the provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, spearheaded Operation Basadi in Pofadder and surrounding areas.
IN HONOUR of Women’s Day, the provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, spearheaded Operation Basadi in Pofadder and surrounding areas.
Accompanied by a formidable team, including provincial heads, district commissioners and station commanders, Otola orchestrated operations across the ZF Mgcawu and Namakwa districts.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that Otola was accompanied by the new district commissioners of ZF Mgcawu, Major-General Monica Sebili, and Frances Baard, Major-General Charlotte Makgari, as well as the Namakwa district commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, and station commanders from Pella, Pofadder and Kakamas.
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The collaboration extended beyond the SAPS, with support from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the Provincial Traffic Department, local Community Policing Forums and other community stakeholders.
The operation kicked off with a vibrant, women-led parade in Pofadder, where Otola addressed both SAPS members and the local community. Her powerful message urged everyone to break the silence surrounding gender-based violence and encouraged victims to speak out against abuse.
Notably, she also announced that the Northern Cape would host President Cyril Ramaphosa on August 9, 2024, in Pofadder to celebrate Women’s Day.
Following the parade, roadblocks were set up on the N14 near Pella and Kakamas. A total of 262 vehicles and 194 individuals were stopped and searched. Additionally, 10 traffic fines were issued, totalling R6,700, and 650 crime prevention safety pamphlets were distributed to motorists.
In Pella, alert SAPS members conducted a search of a white Mahindra vehicle and discovered floodlights, a grinder and toilet rolls allegedly stolen by a 42-year-old man employed at a local mine. The suspect is set to face charges of theft in court shortly.
Otola commended the collaborative efforts of SAPS members, external partners and the community for the effective execution of an operation led by the women in blue.
Kock said that Operation Basadi will continue throughout the month of August, honouring the bravery and courage demonstrated by women in law enforcement.
