Police in Limpopo have deployed 132 newly recruited police constables across various districts to boost operations in the province.
The new constables have recently completed rigorous training and pass-out parades conducted at various South African Police Service (SAPS) training academies.
Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, on Tuesday 2 September officially deployed the constables at an event held at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The constables were placed in different investigation units in the five districts and Forensic Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
Hadebe urged the constables to put shoulder to the wheel, as the fight against crime requires sheer dedication.
“Do your work diligently and respect the rights of the individual. At your respective stations that you are attached to, you will find negative people. Choose what you listen to and avoid the wrong groups. Attitude determines altitude,” Hadebe said.
She emphasised the critical role the constables will play in ensuring that residents, holidaymakers and businesses in the province are and feel safe.
The responsible use of firearms, Hadebe said, is key. She called for discretion, cautioning the constables to use their firearms “when absolutely necessary and justified”.
“Criminals are not playing…They are daring. Do not be generous to them, make sure you arrest them for the right reasons,” she said.
Meanwhile, Operation Shanela executed in Limpopo has led to the arrest of 837 suspects for various offences committed across the province.
According to the SAPS, the operation also led to the confiscation of 65,613 kilograms of dagga.
Amongst the offenses committed include rape, illegally dealing in liquor, possession of illegal cigarettes, possession of dangerous weapons and possession of drugs.
The operations which ran from 25-31 August were conducted in collaboration with other agencies, including the South African Defence Force (SANDF), Traffic Police, Community Policing Forum (CPF).
In a statement on Tuesday, the police said the operation was executed through high visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop and searches, vehicle check points and the tracing of wanted suspects.
Among the arrests, six people were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms, while 18 were cuffed for the possession of dangerous weapons, among others.
Meanwhile, police recovered 180 counterfeit goods, six handguns, 20 cellphones and 10 vehicles, among others.
Some of the arrested suspects have already started to appear before their local Magistrate’s court.
“This province will continue to combat any criminal activities and our men and women in blue will stop at nothing in ensuring that it remains safe for the inhabitants without any prejudice of race and gender,” said Hadebe.
