Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene launched the Provincial Safer Festive Season Operations in Alice on Friday, November 10, with emphasis on this year’s theme, “Combating crime through decisive police action and robust community engagement.”
Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa of SAPS said in her welcoming address, Raymond Mhlaba Executive Mayor, Councillor Sango urged the communities to strengthen their relationship with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime. She emphasized that collaboration with the SAPS has an impact when there are integrated actions.
She warned local spaza shops that continuous inspections will be carried out in order to eradicate the sale of expired goods. Those who fail to adhere, will be dished out hefty fines as recently children became very ill from eating food bought from vendors and spaza shops.
Messages of support from various external stakeholders also urged the communities to stop being involved in criminal activities and to report Gender Based Violence and Femicide. They also emphasized that drugs and liquor abuse is a worrying factor in communities which contributes to criminal activities.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, in her keynote address, encouraged the working relationship with all law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens during the Festive Season and beyond.
“To bolster efforts to heighten police visibility, we will be complimenting the Safer Festive Seasons Operations with 977 new police officers who will pass out from the training colleges in the middle of December, just in time before the height of the festive season. The Festive Season Operations is an extension of Operation Shanela and will be conducted parallel to Operation Shanela.”
“We have seen the fruits of success in Operation Shanela and we are confident that when communities and their leaders work hand-in-hand with the SAPS and that each and every one of us commits to the common goal of reducing the threat of crime, together we can minimise the prospect of criminals taking advantage of what should be a season of joy and festivity.”
“I assure you, that our resources on the ground will be maximised as we seek to assert the authority of the State and gain public confidence. The SAPS in the Eastern Cape SAPS is ready to serve our communities with commitment and dedication, not only during this festive season, but beyond. “
“We are here to serve you, to listen to your concerns, and to take action to make this holiday season joyful and free from harm, Mene concluded.
Many districts across the province were also given new police vehicles which will enhance visibility and presence in the hotspot areas.
Communities within the Eastern Cape province are urged to exercise caution and to act responsibly during the ‘silly season’ as law enforcement will not be lenient to those who flout the law.
ISSUED BY SAPS.
