MTHATHA – The Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, officially launched the 2026/27 Safer Festive Season Operation at Rotary Stadium in Mthatha on Friday, October 23.
This was to confirm the commitment of law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to work together to ensure the safety and security of communities during the festive season.
He handed over 155 vehicles to police stations to enhance police visibility, improve response times and strengthen crime prevention efforts across the province. Nqatha emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies, government departments and community structures in the fight against crime.
“As we launch this festive season, we are authorised by the National Development Plan to ensure that we fight crime and people are safe. We know that we will never succeed as the police to fight crime if we are working alone. That is why the Department of Community Safety ensures that it encourages people to stand up and work with the police to fight crime,” he said.
He said they were proud to work alongside other entities also fighting crime to help rid communities of criminal activity.
Nqatha said when Mthatha was targeted by extortionists, they ensured they fought this stigma.
“Our hope is in you, community members. You must tell us when there is a problem. You must work hard to take ruling power in your areas. Also, you must work together and not take the law into your own hands.”
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata said the day was very important to them and to the citizens of the Eastern Cape.
He said they were there to ensure and affirm that they were ready to protect the people of the Eastern Cape.
“We have invited all law enforcement, from the community and from the law enforcement side. What we are saying here is that we are ready to protect the citizens. We will make sure that we are everywhere and cover every corner of our province. Our duty is to ensure that we create a safe and secure environment in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
He stated that the police would not tolerate those who disrespected the law.
He added that they wanted to make sure that those who committed crime went to where they deserved.
“Our cells are going to be opened so that we can keep those people, so that they know that you do not treat people as if they are animals. We have distributed over 315 vehicles that have been utilised to deliver services. Our people want more vehicles; these are the tools of the trade for our members.
“It is not only vehicles that we have distributed, but we will also have members who will work overtime so that they can work longer hours. Those who will be working are going to be paid so that we can cover all the areas,” Ncata said.
National Commissioner General Fanie Masemola delivered the Eastern Cape crime overview, highlighting problematic crimes, including stock theft, gender-based violence and femicide, and murder.
“Stock theft is another serious concern in the Eastern Cape, particularly in rural communities, where livestock represents a vital source of income, food security, cultural identity and household wealth. For many farmers and livestock owners, the loss of cattle, sheep and goats is not merely a financial setback.
“It threatens their livelihoods, undermines agricultural production and places the economic stability of entire households at risk. Stock theft can also fuel conflict within communities and weaken confidence in the rule of law,” said Masemola.
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