Operation Retshepeng” restores hope

The multidisciplinary “Operation Retshepeng” conducted in Jane Furse on July 24 resulted in the deportation of 107 undocumented foreign nationals.

Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said 32 are Mozambicans, 45 Zimbabweans and 30 Malawians.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers and Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba spearheaded the operation.

The operation aimed to restore public trust and enhance community safety. Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality Mayor Merah Mahlase also supported the operation.

The raid also focused on crime prevention, compliance inspections, road safety, verification of undocumented foreign nationals, searches of businesses and residential premises and high visibility patrol.

It comprised members of the Stock Theft Unit, Visible Policing, TRT, Public Order Policing, Highway Patrol, Hawks and the Department of Home Affairs, Labour, Health, Social Development, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism and Traffic Police.

Fifty-five businesses were searched, 1218 people searched, 374 vehicles searched, 45 residential premises searched, R7500 worth of counterfeit goods seized and 23 summonses issued.

Scheepers said the operation delivered measurable successes in crime prevention, public safety and regulatory compliance. “We will continue to roll out such operations,” Scheepers said.

The operation also involved the inspection of food items. The premier interacted with the operators of supermarkets. Ramathuba stressed what needs to be done about shops that are reopened after government officials close them for noncompliance.

One of the buildings housing a supermarket in the area was found to be in a compromising state, with electricity wiring being hazardous.

The building was also found to be on the road servitude of the South African National Roads Agency.