Katlehong South Police Station (Ramokonopi) hosted operation Basadi earlier this afternoon after 3 pm, 31 August 2021, after it was chosen by the Ekurhuleni District Commander Major General Sithole to close off Woman’s month.
The operation started with a parade at Sam Ntuli Mall in Katlehong. Different departments of law enforcement agencies were present from Sandf, Saps, CPF, local security services, GBV Brigade and local community organisations.
The operation was also attended by the national leadership Minister of Police Bheki Cele, deputy minister of police Cassel Mathale, national police commissioner Khehla Sithole, deputy police commissioner Francinah Vuma.
The operation took place at Sontonga Road between Umhlangeni Road next to Ekurhuleni West college and Ezibeleni School of Deaf. During the operation, female police officers conducted road block’s to check cars, drivers licence, outstanding warrant of arrest, suspect on the run, stolen cars and those who have committed the crime. Three cars were confiscated by the police and they are subject to investigation.
The minister interacted with a motorist who some were also pleased to talk to Bheki ‘Ndosi’ Cele as the police minister is popularly known. Cele gave tips to people on how to report their issues to the police or even their grievances about the police themselves.
“Today is your day is your day to tell the abusers and to show those who commit the crime that women have power and they work”, said Bheki Cele addressing police on the parade before they hit the streets to conduct the roadblock.
At the roadblock, the police entourage was greeted by mixed reactions of community members. Some were happy to see the minister, some were frightened, some wanted to take selfies, some had grievances to share with the minister old and young.
The minister addressed members of media at the block Operation Basadi.
“Police must not take bribes no matter what, you can not say you take bribe because you earn a small salary that is wrong and that is committing a crime,” said Cele.
Nthabiseng Sethokga from Moseleke section in Katlehong came out to see the minister and a female police officer working as she was passing by.
“Am so happy seeing the Police Minister Bheki Cele here Katlehong am so happy because it shows that he cares about women, man and children who are being killed, abused. And today since is the last day of our month he came here to give address us, give young girls advice on how to handle relationships and if you feel like you are being abused just walk away peacefully without a fight”, said Nthabiseng Sethokga.
The minister told the motorist that should any police officer ask for a bribe they should take down the name of that police officer. If they don’t have their tag take to write down the time you were stopped on, the spot you stopped at and take the matter to the station commander.
Three cars were confiscated by the police and they are subject to investigation.
