A ROUTINE search of motorists by Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers is not uncommon.

A ROUTINE search of motorists by Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers is not uncommon.

However, the cops did things a bit different this week when female officers came out in full force.

They led the search, while their male counterparts played a rather minor role.

"We want to show that women have a hand in the community and this is in line with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children," said spokesperson Phindani Tebeila

"We are stopping and checking for anything illegal since it is festive season. We are concerned as women, mothers and wives because any accident that happens affects us in some way."

When Sowetan arrived at the roadblock at the Smit Street N1 off-ramp, motorists and passengers on buses were being searched.

A bus bound for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, was stopped and passengers ordered out and searched.

This did not go down well with most of the passengers.

John Mbayi, a trader from Bulawayo, said the police had checked their passports and even body searched them.

"I feel a bit uncomfortable about this and it is delaying us," he complained.

Another visibly upset passenger, Philip Ncube, a teacher also from Bulawayo, said "there is nothing wrong if the police are looking for criminals but this is delaying our trip".

Women on the bus were up in arms over the searching.