Operation Basadi targets crime hotspots across Cape Town district
A large-scale, women-led law enforcement drive in Kraaifontein on Friday, 1 August 2025, resulted in several arrests, the seizure of an illegal firearm, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle, as officers fanned out across the suburb in a coordinated crackdown on crime.
Dubbed Operation Basadi, the initiative brought together female operational members from Kraaifontein and surrounding stations within the City of Cape Town District, along with personnel from the Western Cape Provincial Head Office. The day began with a formal parade under the direction of Brigadier Zukiswa Matumbu, who served as the operation's functionary, while the Spiritual Crime Prevention team opened proceedings with a prayer before members received their operational briefings.
One of the first assignments saw officers and ten Community In Blue volunteers descend on a high school in Old Paarl Road, Bloekombos, where they systematically searched the bags of 887 learners as they arrived at the school gates. A total of 21 vehicles entering the premises were also inspected. During these searches, officers examining a silver Kia Sportage made a significant discovery — a Norinco 7.62 calibre firearm loaded with eight rounds, concealed inside the spare wheel in the vehicle's boot. The weapon and ammunition were seized as evidence. A 45-year-old woman was also taken into custody at the scene for driving under the influence and was later released on a warning to appear in court.
Roadblocks, compliance checks and community outreach
Simultaneously, a vehicle checkpoint was set up in the vicinity of the school, where 47 vehicles were stopped and searched. A separate roadblock on Frans Conradie Boulevard, conducted alongside Law Enforcement officers, saw 1 300 vehicles tested and 222 searched. Motorists received traffic fines totalling R22 500 for offences ranging from driving without a valid licence to operating unlicensed vehicles.
The operation extended well beyond policing on the streets. A temporary Community Service Centre was established at Block Centre Shoprite, staffed by police personnel who assisted residents with document certifications, short statements, and information about domestic violence and gender-based violence. Some 1 750 informational pamphlets were distributed to community members who visited the pop-up facility. Officers also conducted follow-ups on domestic violence protection orders, personally visiting and serving 11 respondents.
In a parallel effort targeting the illicit second-hand goods trade, Law Enforcement's Metal Unit carried out compliance inspections at four scrap dealers. At one unlicensed operation in Klipbok Street, Scottsdene, a 25-year-old man was arrested for possession of stolen property and for failing to register as a second-hand goods dealer in terms of the Second-Hand Goods Act 6 of 2009. Officers recovered a wheelie bin valued at approximately R600 and two steel municipality wheelie bin wheels worth R500, all identified as property of the City of Cape Town.
During a walkabout through the crime hotspot areas of Takudi and Hani Street in Wallacedene, members of the Western Cape Flying Squad received intelligence about a white Foton taxi linked to a fraud case registered in Midrand in April 2025. The vehicle was located in Laboheme Street, and its 33-year-old driver was arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. The taxi was impounded for further processing.
"I commend the members for their dedication and commitment in ensuring the perpetrators of crime are brought to justice. I encourage the community to keep on assisting the police in ridding their neighbourhoods of criminal elements,"
Brigadier Matumbu told media following the conclusion of the day's operations.
