| 2025/02/09 |
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Media Statement
POLOKWANE – In a heartwarming initiative, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Limpopo Vala Umgodi Tactical Joint Operational Centre (TACJOC), alongside the Vhembe District Task Team, donated school uniforms and sanitory towels to needy learners at Malale Primary School in the Vhembe District on Friday, 7th February 2025. The initiative, which was fully funded by the officers from their own pockets, highlighted the commitment of the SAPS to supporting local communities and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable learners. The effort was spearheaded by Captain Willeminah Monareng, a drone pilot with the SAPS Airwing, who took a personal initiative to reach out to the school after realizing the need during one of the illegal mining operations. The school’s learners were not only provided with much-needed school uniforms and sanitary towels but were also educated on crucial issues such as the dangers associated with illegal mining, bullying, gangsterism, and gender-based violence. The TACJOC Commander Colonel David Malisa, Operational Commander Colonel Choene Magwai, Combat Commander Lieutenant Colonel Orapeleng Motecwane, Vhembe District Venue Operational Center (VOC) Commander Lieutenant Colonel Manamela and other Vala Umgodi members addressed the learners, warning them about the hazards of playing near unsafe holes created by illegal mining activities in their community Captain Monareng further indicated that during her operations, she discovered a lot of mischief among the learners and warned them about stealing from each other, avoiding playing around on their way home, and being cautious when talking to strangers. In an exciting and inspiring moment, the learners were entertained with an impressive drill and drone display, leaving them inspired and motivated by the members of the SAPS who took the time to engage with them. The event was well-supported by the local traditional authority, the ward councillor, the Station Commander of Tshamutumbu, the Vhembe District Social Crime Prevention and Communication Coordinator, and the Community Policing Forum (CPF), all of whom played a key role in the success of this initiative. The TACJOC Commander Colonel Malisa expressed his gratitude for the collective effort that made the event a success and emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing the social challenges faced by learners, particularly in areas impacted by illegal mining activities.
This generous contribution is a part of SAPS’s broader efforts to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, with a focus on both crime prevention and social responsibility.
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