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The HoD for Transport and Community Safety, Mr Steve Matjena Putco Operations Executive, Mr Jack Sekwaila and leaders from Taxi industry present here Deputy Provincial Commissioners present here, Maj Gen Scheepers and Maj Gen Manala Department of Transport and Community Safety Chief Director, Transport Regulations, Ms Jane Mulaudzi Acting District Commissioner of Waterberg, Brig Mhlongo Representatives from the Holy City of Moria The members and senior officers from various law enforcements and departments All crime prevention structures in our province The members of the media Ladies and gentlemen, and all those who are tuning in from the diverse corners of our nation. Good morning to you all! As we commemorate Easter today, I wish to seize this opportunity to address you on our preparedness as the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo. This season witnesses a considerable influx of visitors to our enchanting province, particularly for the pilgrimage at the Holy city of Moria, and it is our solemn responsibility to ensure their safety and security, as well as that of our local communities. Earlier this month, we proudly joined the MEC of Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye to launch the Easter Road Safety Campaign in the Sekhukhune District. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to community safety during this busy period. In light of this, we have activated Phase 3 of Operation Paseka, which earlier this week. This operation reflects our ongoing commitment to safeguarding our roads and communities. We have learned from past experiences that the Easter period often brings increased risks, including reckless driving, fatigue, and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Our approach to tackling these issues will be multifaceted and collaborative. We have a zero tolerance approach, and will continue to intensify our crime combatting efforts throughout the Easter season and beyond. This will be done through our high density operation Shanela that are conducted simultaneously throughout the districts in Limpopo. With specific reference to the Holy City of Moria, we continue to monitor the routes leading to Moria and ensuring safety through the Venue Operational Command Centre (VOC) that is placed within Moria precinct. All forces are on the ground following maximum deployment by the Police and Traffic Police in and out of the perimeters of Moria. It must also be noted that the two churches have their own security, marshalls as well as emergency capabilities such as fire brigades to ensure the safety and security of their congregants. We are satisfied with the security protocols put in place in Moria following our observations and inspections by our senior officers. We have also observed that other basic necessities such as water, electricity as well as refuse removal plans are in place. As the police, we are delighted with the set up in Moria and the whole security overview. The law enforcement agencies led by the police will therefore mitigate anything outside of the perimeters of the Holy City of Moria. The safety of our residents and visitors is paramount. We have put measures in place to ensure their safety and mitigate any fatalities within our national, provincial and municipal roads. Moreover, we cannot overlook the alarming reports of violence perpetrated by taxi patrollers against those who pick up hitchhikers. While we discourage hitchhiking for safety reasons, we cannot condone intimidation or harassment. Such actions undermine the trust and safety of our community. We are aware of patrollers that stop drivers and assault them or demand as much as R2500 as a fine for picking up hitchhikers. We have noted an incident in Tzaneen, Mopani district where a bakkie with eleven passengers was attached by motorists driving a sedan vehicle believed to be belonging to a taxi association. This incident led to a 55 year old mean dead and others seriously injured. The 11 passengers were picked up from a hiking spot in Nkowankowa location. We are thoroughly investigation this matter and the culprits will be brought to book in this regard. This troubling tendency must cease immediately. We cannot allow such illegal activities to take place under our watch. We must stand united against this violence and ensure that no individual feels threatened while traveling and also encourage our communities to use public transport. We will impound any vehicle that stands in the way of safety of road users, be it passengers or motorists. The bad boy mentality and attitude displayed by some taxi operators and marshalls are regrettable. Our police will be on the lookout for those who disregard our laws and punish them as such. Those driving vehicle without registration plates will be dealt with decisively. As part of our high-density operation Shanela coupled with Operation Paseka, we will conduct roadblocks on all main routes, national, provincial and municipal. We have also put in place roving roadblocks for those using back routes. We are supported in this critical work by Traffic Police, national, provincial and local. Vehicle control check points have been put in place ensuring high visibility of the police. We also have the Emergency Medical Services on board and Home Affairs amongst other to assist in processing illegal immigrants. Those found to be contravening the Immigration Act will be arrested. As the police, we are also working closely with LEDET to monitor and ensure compliance with liquor laws and regulations. Liquor outlets, restaurants and other entertainment places will be monitored closely. Business areas such as garages, and shopping malls will be closely monitored to ensure the safety of patrons. Our detectives are also on the ground through targeted take down operations focusing on wanted suspects. All our multi-disciplinary forces are ready to ensure safety and we have maximum deployment in place. The fight against border crimes have been intensified to ensure that no smuggling of goods in and out of this province. The Groblersbridge and Beitbridge port of entry are closely monitored by the Border Management Authority, the police and South African National Defence Force. Operation Shanela will continue throughout Easter period, with security measures intensified at border posts, major transport routes, and places of worship, recreational areas and economic hubs. The focus for this Easter has also is also to significantly reduce serious and violent crimes, including house robberies, vehicle hijackings, business robberies, theft from motor vehicles, and stock theft. Our dedicated units are already on the ground, conducting stop-and-search operations, road patrols, and surprise inspections at second-hand goods dealers to prevent the sale of stolen property. We are also committed to removing illegal firearms from our streets and effectively addressing the issue of drugs. Our police are combat ready to deal with drunk driving and reckless driving on our roads since they contribute too many fatalities. While weare in a heightened Easter weekend which is characterized by rain this year, it is important that we obey the rules of the road in order to save lives and minimize road accidents leading to fatalities. Leading up to this Easter, we arrested 4 646 suspects for various crimes. Amongst some of the arrests included 341 for Drug Related crime, 166 for Driving under the influence of alcohol and 693 for Undocumented immigrants. This very week, we arrested two suspects (couple), a 50 year old male and 40 year old female in Tshikudini, outside Thohoyandou on Tuesday, 15 April 2025 and confiscated nine (09) unlicensed firearms and ammunition during the targeted takedown and intelligence driven operation. The arrests came after thorough investigate work by our Provincial Investigation Unit and Provincial Tracking team. The resilience and diligence demonstrated by our investigating team is commendable. We have potentially removed firearms from committing serious and violent crimes. We have experienced a double murder in Thabazimbi informal settlement, where two gentlemen were at loggerhead, resulting in the suspect cutting a throat of the alleged victim. The community members responded, thus assaulting the suspect and stoned him. He then succumbed to his injuries at hospital. The police are investigating this matter. We call upon communities not to take law into their own hands. As we engage in festivities and enjoy the holiday, I want to encourage our communities to remain vigilant everywhere they go. Please take care of your belongings and be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid hitchhiking, as it poses significant risks to your safety. Additionally, I urge everyone to drink responsibly and in moderation—excessive drinking can lead to dangerous situations. Let us also take a stand against gender based violence and domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence at home, please seek help. We are here to support you and ensure that our homes are safe havens. I urge all members of our community—traditional authorities, faith- based organizations, non-governmental organizations and business leaders—to collaborate with us. Your insights and intelligence are invaluable in our fight against crime. It is through our collective efforts that we can create a safer environment for everyone. I would also like to take a moment to express my gratitude to those community members, the CPFs and Neighbourhood watches who have been our eyes and ears on the ground. Your relentless support and contributions do not go unnoticed and are crucial to our success.
In closing, let us all work together to ensure that this Easter holiday is a safe and joyous occasion for all.
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