The South African Police Service in Limpopo officially launched the much anticipated Operation Wu Kwihi Nawu in Polokwane, Capricorn District on the night of 27 May 2023, led by the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, making a tremendous impact following the arrest of one hundred and one (101) suspects aged between 19 and 50.
The SAPS members comprising of various units were out in full force with the support of other law enforcement agencies such as department of Traffic, Correctional Services, Security Cluster, Private Security, Department of Home Affairs, Health, Traditional Authorities, Polokwane Municipality as well Community Policing Forum, performing roadblocks involving stop and searches across Polokwane, Westenburg, Seshego and Mankweng policing areas.
The aim is to crack down on suspects involved in illegal mining, drugs, other related contact crimes and crime in general.
Hundreds of motor vehicles were stopped and searched with the provincial management monitoring the activities, while the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe led a combination of law enforcement agencies to roadblocks in this areas, along with a team of senior management officers including the District Commissioner Major General Lesiba Mashilo, Provincial Heads, Station Commanders of the respective police stations.
The operation saw the arrest of 28 X undocumented persons, 9 X Drunken Driving, 55 X Public drinking, 6 X Drugs Related Offences (Dagga),3 X Possession of Dangerous Weapons.
Two other suspects were arrested in Seshego for assault GBH and one toy gun was recovered. Police also arrested male and female suspects in Westenburg for possession of unregistered medicines after they were found in possession of 249 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup. The used vehicle was also confiscated.
In addition, 6 X J534 were issued for non-compliance with liquor Act and R6000-00 Admission of Guilt paid. Two summons were issued for the contravention of the Road Traffic Act. Confiscated items include; liquor, knives, toy gun, dagga and unregistered medicines.
Meanwhile, the Detectives operation that commenced since 22 May until 28 May 2023 focusing on tracing of wanted suspects resulted in the arrest of 477 suspects for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, Assault GBH, Robberies, Carjacking, Rape, Fraud, Burglary MITP to theft.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has appreciated the excellent collaboration and support of all the stakeholders.
” The operation is already making a great impact across the province and all the members must hit the ground running and crackdown on all criminal activities, ” Said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
