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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Zimbabwean and South African security authorities have started rolling out a joint operation along the two countries’ borders to deal with issues of smuggling, illegal migration and other dangerous crimes around the area.

The operation, codenamed Basadi (Women) is being implemented by a team of 200 women made up of members of the police services and defence forces from the two neighbouring countries.

Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said the initiative was part of Operation Fiela II, which started on Thursday last week.

“The multi-disciplinary operation has hit the ground composed of the Saps women from various police units in all levels of command throughout this province.

“This is in conjunction with women from other law enforcement agencies like the SANDF, the provincial traffic, municipal traffic, customs under the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Correctional Services and the Zimbabwean Police Force,” said Lt Col Ngoepe.

“Starting from the early hours of Thursday (May 17), this operation was up and running in the Musina Policing area outside Makhado, led by the Saps Provincial Commissioner Lt- General Nneke Jim Ledwaba, accompanied by the deputy provincial commissioners; Major-General Christine Morakaladi and Major-General Jan Scheepers, women cluster commanders, provincial heads, unit commanders, station commanders and operational members.

“The traffic police were led by the chief director of Traffic Regulation and Road Safety Jane Mulaudzi, the SANDF were led by Major Kgomongwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police was led by Superintendent Elvis Nekati with two hundred police women.

“The operation commenced with a joint parade at the Musina’s SANDF Base, followed by roadblocks, stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, visits to businesses to deal with any illegal trades and fake goods, dealing with the undocumented people, tracing of wanted suspects with the objective of dealing and prevention of various crimes including the cross boarder crimes.”

He said they were covering areas such as the Baobab toll gate, the Beitbridge port of entry, Musina weigh bridge, Musina central business district, and the Zimbabwean areas adjacent to the Beitbridge border line.

He said no serious crimes have been reported since the start of the operation.

Lt-Col Ngoepe said so far 18 undocumented immigrants, five illegal liquor traders, three smugglers, 43 road traffic offenders and two suspects were arrested for selling illegal goods, one vehicle was impounded, 847 people and 331 vehicles were also searched during the operation.

“The following items were confiscated; illegal cough mixture and illegal ointments.

“Similar operations are still unfolding, especially in the crime -infested areas throughout the province,” said Lt Col Ngoepe.