Deputy Minister of Police calls on police to continue to crack down on crime during the provincial launch of Operation Shanela in Limpopo
The Deputy Minister of Police Mr Cassel Mathale (MP) called on Police to continue with the excellent work of cracking down on crime through Operation Shanela and make sure they sweep out crime hotspots throughout Limpopo Province. The Deputy Minister was addressing the masses during the Provincial launch of Operation Shanela, a multi-disciplinary Strategy that is aimed at combating crime, in Limpopo Province on Saturday 19 August 2023. The event took place at Seshego Stadium.
The Deputy Minister was joined by MEC for Transport and Community, Safety Ms Florence Radzilane, the Deputy Chairperson of the House of Traditional and Khoi-san leadership, Kgoshi Phatudi Mphahlele MT, representative of the Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality MMC Shadung, Chairperson of the Portfolio committee on Transport, Ms Seono, Traditional leaders, the Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Component Head: Proactive Policing, Visible Policing and Operations, Major General S Pienaar, Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners and Provincial Heads.
Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Mudau NN opened the main event with scripture reading and prayer. That is where he spoke about anxiety and that members should not feel anxious when performing their duties but always put their trust in God.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe outlined the purpose of the event which is mainly to officially launch the Limpopo Provincial Operation Shanela that will also be known as Operation Kukula in the Province. The General further indicated that the operation has been running for some time and its achievements are overwhelming. Since its inception early on 29 May 2023 until 13 August, 2023, Police have arrested 46 suspects for murder, 25 for attempted murder, 37 for rape, 27 for business robbery, and 505 for Assault Common.
In addition, 53 handguns and four rifles were confiscated, 176 people were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, 40 vehicles recovered and 102 610 of tobacco confiscated. Moreover, that the focus on illegal mining has intensified as more illegal mines were shut down and suspects arrested. Most of illegal miners are illegal immigrants hence, 2718 undocumented persons were arrested through intensified operations. In conclusion, the Provincial Commissioner highlighted that 214 drug dealers and 244 suspects were arrested for dealing in liquor including 450 for possession of drugs as well as 452 Motorists for driving under the influence of liquor.
The Component Head: Proactive Policing, Visible Policing and Operations, Major General S Pienaar, outlined the overview of the operational framework and focus of "Shanela", where she indicated that: It is an operation that is led by Provincial Commissioners and Senior Management in all Provinces. It encompasses intelligence driven high-density operations that focus on the five Pillars approach of dealing with Crime in the Society.
This five Pillars approach demands that we gather relevant information from all the sources including the Crime analysis systems, informers, witnesses and ordinary members of the community in order to ensure targeted and effective proactive policing. We will also sustain rapid response, result driven investigations, tracking, arrest, detention and prosecution of suspects in court through properly written statements and administration of dockets. It further demands that we become accountable to the community we serve by constantly updating them on our successes and shortfalls in order to create an environment wherein they will have the sense of belonging in the criminal just system.
Representative of Community Policing Forum, Department of Home Affairs, Labour, LEDET and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development gave messages of support and presentations based on their line of work in terms of the law.
The MEC for Transport and Community Safety Ms F Rhadzilane in her remarks before introducing the guest speaker, commended the Police for their commitment of combating Crime in the Province .She emphasised that the launch of Operation Shanela comes at a time when the Country is waging and battling against crime within the mining industry and criminals are undermining the Police. This is as they demonstrate their disregard to the entire justice system. The MEC said they will continue to support the Police with whatever type of resources they will need.
In his keynote address, The Deputy Minister Mr Cassel Mathale announced that they seem to be winning the fight against Crime through the intensified Operation Shanela." We have seen the Provincial Commissioners in all the nine Provinces leading the operation together with their management and doing the spate work. We need to be innovative and technical when dealing with criminals. We have seen a decline in Crime especially murders, and the communities must work closely with the Police in order to win the fight against crime, concluded the Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale.
Deputy Chairperson of the Limpopo House of Traditional and Khoi-san leaders Kgoshi Phatudi Mphahlele rendered the vote of thanks and appreciated the SAPS leadership for their presence and support in the Province.
In attendance were also Labour Unions (POPCRU and SAPU), ProvJOINTS members, other SAPS members, Community Police Forums, Community in Blue, other stakeholders such as Home Affairs and LEDET.
The launch was characterised by roadblocks, walk about and interviews with the Media, all led by the Deputy Minister Mr Cassel Mathale.
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