LIMPOPO PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER WARNS AGAINST AN ALLEGED SUTDOWN AT BAOBAB TOLL PLAZA IN MUSINA
POLOKWANE : The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a stern warning to the communities of Vhembe following alleged threats of a shutdown at the Baobab Toll Plaza towards Musina on Friday, 30th August 2024.
According to the poster doing the rounds on various social media platforms, a group of community members from Niani Village in Masisi policing area under Vhembe District, has mobilized to protest against high incidents of theft of vehicles, hi-jackings, and smuggling of vehicles into neighbouring countries through the Beitbridge port of entry.
The Provincial Commissioner has reiterated that no amount of lawlessness will be tolerated in Vhembe district and in particular Musina policing precinct.
Lieutenant General Hadebe has noted that the police in Vhembe district have recorded notable successes in the fight against cross-border crimes especially at borderline stations, namely, Musina, Masisi, Tshamutumbu and Muswodi. According to the reporting period, 01st January to the 19th August 2024, the police have recorded the successes as per follows:
The police have arrested many suspects, recovered high powered vehicles worth millions of rands through the ongoing Anti-Smuggling operations and intensified intelligence-driven operations across the country. In Vhembe District alone, 96 high powered vehicles were recovered and 61 suspects were intercepted en route to smuggle the vehicles out of the country.
The breakdown on the recovery of vehicles is as follows:-
Musina SAPS – 78 vehicles
Masisi SAPS -08
Tshamutumbu SAPS – 06
Muswodi SAPS -04
The police have also stopped criminals in their tracks to commit serious and violent crimes by recovering 15 Firearms particularly in Musina police station. About three suspects were arrested for stock theft , in Musina, Masisi and Tshamutumbu policing areas.
The Police led by Lieutenant General Hadebe have been engaging in a series of meetings with stakeholders such as the South African National Defence Force, Border Management Authority, Traffic Police, Musina Local Municipality, Limpopo Provincial Government,Farmers Associations , Business community, Councillors, Traditional Leaders, Car Tracking companies and School Governing bodies to find a lasting solution. To this effect, an operational plan has been developed and currently being executed by the law enforcement agencies.
“We are satisfied with the work of our officers on the ground and the operational plan in place to combat cross border crimes, though more work still need to be done. We are grateful for the unwavering support from our partners in our concerted efforts against crime,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
“We wish to assure the communities of Musina and surrounding areas that their rights of going on with their lives and businesses as usual will be protected. No amount of lawlessness will be tolerated in Vhembe district and Musina policing area in particular. The police and all members from various law enforcement agencies are combat ready to deal with any eventuality, thus ensuring the safety of residents and businesses in the area,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
