The Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, led a massive law enforcement crackdown called Operation Shanela II in Greenside, Seshego, outside Polokwane.
The operation comes at a time when the Premier has faced intense pressure and criticism from anti-immigrant groups. This backlash follows her “Hands Off Limpopo” utterances directed at anti-migrant marchers who have been accused of targeting people based on their skin colour and spoken language.
Premier Ramathuba was joined on the ground by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, and the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police, Major General Jan Scheepers. The joint team carried out an intelligence-driven operation to hunt down serious criminals and address illegal immigration.
Huge Turnout of Law Enforcement Agencies
The high-profile operation brought together a wide range of government departments and specialised police units. These included the Hawks, Public Order Policing, the K9 Unit, Visible Policing, the Department of Home Affairs, Emergency Medical Services, and the Department of Social Development.
The multi-agency team focused heavily on finding illegal drugs, unlicensed firearms, dangerous weapons, wanted suspects, and undocumented foreign nationals.
Major Results and Arrests On the Ground
Law enforcement officers set up checkpoints and conducted searches across the Greenside area. The final numbers from the operation include:
*478 people were stopped and searched by officers.
*148 vehicles were stopped and searched at roadblocks.
*34 spaza shops were inspected to check if they comply with business laws and sell safe goods to consumers.
The raid led to the identification of 339 undocumented foreign nationals, who are citizens of Zimbabwe and Malawi. Officials confirmed that all 339 individuals will be processed by immigration authorities under the Immigration Act.
Police also arrested one suspect who is linked to an active murder and robbery case. Two other suspects were arrested for selling illegal cigarettes.
Government Sends a Strong Warning
Premier Ramathuba stated that the success of Operation Shanela II sends a clear message that crime will not be tolerated anywhere in Limpopo.
She emphasised that the government will continue to run these intelligence-led operations to remove dangerous criminals from the streets, handle illegal immigration according to the law, and ensure that lawbreakers face justice. She added that every person living in the province must respect the laws of South Africa.
Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba with Acting Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Scheepers lead a raid in Greenside, Seshego.
MEC of Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye, Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers and Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba.