At least 175 new operational vehicles were handed over to the six policing districts in the Western Cape by Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia to enhance mobility, improve response times and strengthen crime-fighting capacity on the ground during the launch of the Western Cape Safer Festive Season Operations at Nyanga Rugby Stadium on Wednesday 21 October.
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Cachalia described Nyanga as one of the high-risk areas of the province. He said the labour centre in Nyanga had been closed due to criminality.
Criminals making it impossible
“It is the officers’ responsibility to ensure public services are not interrupted. I had the same experience when I visited Coetzenburg and Khayamandi in Stellenbosch, where necessary services to the community had been suspended because of criminals. Criminals are making it impossible for public servants to do their work.”
The acting minister said the launch signalled intensified efforts by officers and their law enforcement partners to prevent crime, strengthen police visibility and ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors throughout the festive season.
Intelligence-driven operations to intensify
“Building on ongoing interventions, including Operation Prosper Karabo, integrated, intelligence-driven and high-density operations will be intensified in identified crime hot spots. These interventions will focus on disrupting criminal activities, tracing and apprehending wanted suspects, removing illegal firearms from circulation, conducting roadblocks and enforcing the law.”
He added that officers continued to strengthen close-partnership policing with the City of Cape Town and other law-enforcement agencies through coordinated operations and the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement with the City. Cachalia said such a collaborative approach brought resources, expertise and operational capabilities together to address crime more effectively and improve community safety.
He said the launch also showcased the operational readiness and capabilities of integrated law-enforcement teams, while community members can engage with service providers and access services at various exhibitions and displays.
The acting minister said officers remained committed to working with their law-enforcement partners and communities to create safer environments and ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and secure festive season.
‘The community is the true front line’
Provincial Community Policing Forum (CPF) Deputy Chair Sebastian Abrahams said the forum was united behind the law-enforcement agencies. He said it welcomed all forms of crime-prevention efforts in communities.
“The officers cannot be on every street corner or in every home. The true front line of community safety is the community itself. The community-policing forum works hand in hand with the neighbourhood watch, and it is the eyes and ears of the community. We maintain zero tolerance for gender-based violence and violence against children, and are fighting substance abuse and illegal firearms. We support strong law enforcement against illegal liquor outlets and drugs.”
We need more officers
Community member Pretty Mahonono from Zwelitsha, Nyanga described crime as a major issue in the area. She wished Cachalia could deploy more officers and police vans at Nyanga Police Station.
