Durban — Women in law enforcement agencies joined forces for a roadblock operation in line with the commemoration of Women’s Month at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Wednesday.
Operation Basadi (women) was organised by metro police senior women officers and supported by the SAPS, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and the Fire Department.
During the roadblock, the officers stopped and searched vehicles for all offences related to the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) and any other offences. Fines were issued and the motorists co-operated with the officers.
Fire Safety Inspector Leigh Claassen said the purpose of the roadblock was to collaborate in completing their duty to inspect and learn from each other as they finished their duty.
Deputy commissioner Winnie Zama from metro police said they looked at driver behaviour and roadworthiness, adding that all this was done by women officers in closing Women’s Month. She said they did the operation to encourage other women that they too can also lead in their professions.
“We are in a space that has been previously dominated by men; we have an opportunity to be in this space and we are saying to those that are even younger than us that there is this space, it is open, let us do the work and keep our communities safe by decreasing the number of fatalities and crashes on our roads,” she said.
Chief Provincial Inspector (RTI) Thabisile Ngidi encouraged women to always go the extra mile when executing their duties.
She said that although there are challenges they would encounter as women, they should remember their calling, serve with gratitude and showcase their talents.
The acting fire safety manager at eThekwini Municipality, Nontuthuko Mpungose, encouraged women to be active and show up in full force.
“Amandla (power) to the women, Amandla!” she said raising her fist.
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Daily News