Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Major General Jan Scheepers and Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality Mayor Cllr. Masekwele Merah Mahlase.
The Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, alongside the Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS, Major General Jan Scheepers, jointly led Operation Retshepeng on the ground in Jane Furse, Sekhukhune District.
Starting her day at 4:00 AM, the Premier personally spearheaded the operation rather than delegating the task, leading from the front to demonstrate the government’s commitment to cleaning up the province. This raid follows a similar drive recently conducted in Seshego, with plans to roll out the initiative to another district next week.
Multi-Pronged Crackdown on Crime and Public Health
The primary objective of Operation Retshepeng is to establish an ongoing campaign to rid Limpopo of crime, corruption, and lawlessness. As part of this drive, officials focused heavily on public health and business compliance, targeting spaza shops operating illegally and confiscating expired food products.
The operation also tackled illegal activities across Jane Furse to clear the area of drugs, counterfeit goods, and unlicensed trading. In a parallel joint effort named Operation Vala Umgodi, law enforcement targeted illegal mining operations in the district, recovering 1 unlicensed firearm during the sweeps.
Arrests and Enforcement Figures
Since the early hours of the morning, over 128 people have been arrested. Among those taken into custody:
*28 wanted criminals (including South African citizens and foreign nationals) were arrested in connection with various serious criminal offenses.
*Numerous undocumented foreign nationals were detained as part of compliance checks.
Calls to the Community and Law Enforcement Warnings
Addressing the local community, Premier Ramathuba praised the police for their dedication and emphasized that the operation aims to rebuild public trust in law enforcement. She strongly cautioned community members against harbouring illegal immigrants and urged residents to refrain from vigilante action.
“There is no need for people to take the law into their own hands when police are doing their job,” the Premier noted.
She clarified that the operation is not xenophobic, stressing that foreign visitors remain welcome provided they enter and reside in South Africa legally.
Major General Scheepers called on community members to report undocumented foreign nationals and corrupt officials colluding with criminals directly to their local station commanders. He emphasized that this unified approach brings together all government departments and law enforcement agencies to work as a single team.
Scheepers issued a stern warning that crime will not be tolerated at any level, cautioning officers within the police service that anyone caught breaking the law will quickly swap their blue uniform for an orange jumpsuit.
Municipal Support and Government Commitment
The Mayor of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Cllr. Masekwele Merah Mahlase, welcomed the operation in Jane Furse, expressing gratitude to the provincial leadership for taking decisive action to make the municipality safer.
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the rule of law, safeguarding public health, and ensuring strict legal compliance by all businesses operating across Limpopo.