The Muswodi area in Niani has long been a gateway and escape route to Zimbabwe and Mozambique for car hijackers and smugglers of illegal cigarettes. For years, the local police station was regarded as one of the worst-performing stations in Limpopo.
As part of a turnaround strategy, the station partnered a few months ago with the Madimbo Business Forum Against Crime and the private company Tracker Connect. Their joint efforts are now paying off, with crime drastically reduced in the area.
It was no surprise when recent crime statistics placed the station third in crime prevention in the province and first in the Vhembe District.
In recognition of the station's achievements, the business forum organised a function to express its gratitude for a job well done. The event, held at the Big Tree Lodge, was attended by notable guests, including Thovhele Ratshibvumo II Rambuda, Thovhele Mmbangiseni Manenzhe, Mr Barry Brandt of Tracker Connect, Limpopo SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe, and Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Mawela. Both the station and Tracker Connect were presented with trophies for their excellent work.
One of the organisers and business leaders, Mr Philemon Munyai, said the business community could not remain silent when good work was being done. "Our partnership with the station has borne fruit. Many stolen cars, livestock, and other illegal items were recovered during operations. Tracker Connect was recognised for assisting in the recovery of several vehicles that were destined for smuggling into neighbouring countries through the Limpopo River. We are here today to express appreciation for hard work, and we hope this will add momentum to the great work done by the partnership between the police and Tracker Connect," he said.