Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality Cllr Freddy Greaver, Provincial Commissioner Simon Mpembe and Colonel Moatshe Ngwepe at the media briefing

Success is the best word to describe the joint Polokwane Municipality and South African Police Service’s Clean-up Operation that took place at Dahl, Onder, Boom and Buite Streets in Polokwane on the 20th March this year.

Through the operation, the Freddy Greaver-led Polokwane Municipality and the Lieutenant General Simon Mpembe-led South African Police Services were able to uncover illegal immigrants, illegal water and electricity connections including a number of stolen goods.

Executive Mayor Freddy Greaver said the operation was a success in a sense that they were able to uncover illegal activities taking place in Polokwane.

“What we have discovered during the operation is a clear indication that many illegal activities are taking place even inside what are perceived to be formal businesses. It was a very big surprise to discover that there are many illegal structures operating as hostels and general accommodation behind the formal businesses. I was also touched by the number of young girls who stay in that area. This will in a long run contribute to early pregnancy including the HIV and AIDS which has turned into a Human Right problem.” said Greaver.

“The number of illegal water and electricity connections that were discovered there are also of grave concern to the municipality because this kick of situation is a contributory fact to the current shortage of water within the municipality. I want to thank the good leadership skills displayed by the SAPS’ Commissioner Mpembe throughout the operation. The commissioner had a good listening skill and was able to help us in ensuring that the operation is a success. As the leadership of the municipality we have a passion to clean up the city and we are well aware that we cannot do it alone, hence the ANC-led government came with the dictum “Working together we can do more”. Indeed let us work together with other government departments and private sector to provide quality service to our people.”

Lieutenant General Simon Mpembe Provincial Commissioner said as the SAPS they will not at any stage tolerate criminals and individuals who want to turn the city into a criminals’ heaven.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that the city’s dignity and pride is restored without any fear or favour. We will un-turn all the stones to ensure that we sweep away any form of illegal activities within the city. We appreciate the fact that Polokwane Municipality has initiated the operation and we will always support this kind of initiatives as they assist to restore order within the city.” said Mpembe.

A number of illegal immigrants were arrested during the operation and goods were discovered which including computers and laptops. Three motor vehicles engines and two suspected motor vehicles where recovered. Three people were also arrested as a result, two being through mophotouch while the third one was arrested for rape, house-breaking and theft.

ENDS

Issued by Communications and Public Participation Unit
Contact: Noko Lebea
082 449 2502

083 824 9813