Operation Basadi, a women led roadblock saw hundreds of vehicles stopped and checked

A successful multi-disciplinary roadblock led by women in law enforcement from across the Northern Cape saw hundreds of vehicles stopped and checked, on the N1 and N12 to ensure road safety for all road users on the backdrop of Transport Month.

Operation Basadi, that saw over 70 women join hands during the operation was supported by MEC Martha Bartlett and Head of Department Mr Steven Jonkers. The women stopped hundreds of vehicles from happy road users who were pleased to see the continuous visibility of traffic officials and other law enforcement agents during the start of the weekend especially as women were taking the lead.

As a Department, we encourage such operations and it shows women in law enforcement are making strides and are encouraging other women to consider law enforcement as a career path.    

“It shows that as women, we are proud to serve in law enforcement and not only making sure our roads are safe but also our communities,” said some of the women at the operation.  

The operation, led by the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison was a collaboration with the SAPS, SANDF, Sol Plaatje Municipality traffics, Provincial Traffics, Jan Kemp traffic station, Kimberley traffic station, Home Affairs, EMS, Department of Correctional Services and other neighbouring traffic stations.

Motorists were also thrilled with the operation that unfolded on Friday with most appreciating the purpose of the operation saying it shows women continue to take a leading role in protecting their communities.  

“This is a great initiative from the women.  I must really applaud them.  It looks good to see women taking a leading role and having an entire operation by themselves, it shows that women are capable,” said one motorist.  

The two operations on the N1 and N12 saw 958 cars stopped and checked, 75 summonses issued on general roadworthiness of vehicles and driver fitness.  Three foreign national were arrested for lacking in proper documentation.   

Of the 85 trucks that were weighed during the operations, only 1 was overloaded which is encouraging as we aim to see a 100% compliance rate and we hope this continues and all road users come on board in compliance.

Following the operation, Cynthia Moeti, Law Enforcement official from the Department, said “it was a great and fruitful operation which all the women enjoyed.  We checked for the general roadworthiness of the vehicle and driver fitness and also emphasising road safety because as much as we want people to comply, we also want to educate and encourage them to keep safe on the roads.”

As a Department we want to continue to encourage people to not neglect the importance of fastening a seatbelt, not speeding and general road safety compliance.  Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it’s in working together that we can achieve safer roads for all.


For any media clarity please contact:

Ms Keitumetse Moticoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison
074 251 6567 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)   053 839 1769

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Issued by the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison