Operation Usalama & Operation Shanela: Mangaung Metro joint operation between the South African Police Service, Department of Correctional Service and Department of Home Affairs
A multi-disciplinary operation between the South African Police Service, Department of Correctional Service and Department of Home Affairs took place on Wednesday, 16 August 2022. Operation Usalama is an undertaking initiated among Southern African Development Community and East-African countries; the objectives of the operation are among others, eradication of Human Traffic – smuggling of migrants and prevention of Cross-border crimes such as smuggling of contraband goods, firearms and Illicit drugs. The execution and attainment of Usalama objectives is strengthened by the ongoing Operation Basadi activities during Women’s Month under the auspices of Operation Shanela.
Members from various units of the South African Police Service, Grootvlei Prison centre-based female officials and Immigration Officers from Department of Home Affairs converged at Medium B Center as early as 04:00. The Head of Centre, Ms Matebogo Setlai welcomed the law enforcers to the Centre and indicated that the activity was aimed at ensuring the safety of warders and inmates by preventing and removing smuggled ‘contraband’ items inside the prisoner space.
“This is an ongoing project where we embark on impromptu visit to Correctional Centers to clean up the facilities. It is also envisaged that the massive and aggressive operation will have positive snowball effect in the maintenance of peace, law and order in and outside of the Centers”, said Ms Setlai. Teams searched the cells and dagga, cellular telephones, cash and other smuggled items were confiscated.
On a lighter note, a drill session took place between the departments after the search. The Prison management hosted all officials for fork and knife breakfast and round the table discussions. Childhood Cancer Foundation from Bloemfontein created awareness on childhood cancer during breakfast.
The teams then joined the roadblock assembled on R702 in Kopanong Police Station area. A male aged 31 was arrested for being in the Republic of South Africa without proper documents. Eight (8) fines were issued in terms of National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996; for driving motor vehicle without valid driver’s license and driving unlicensed motor vehicles.
Source: South African Police Service