Police in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro are warning criminals to
prepare themselves for a tough Easter as police and law enforcement will be out
in their numbers ensuring that citizens behave themselves during the Easter
period.
Operations across Nelson Mandela Bay metro have kick-started and will
intensify during the Easter week and beyond.
“Once again, this period is very different as compared to
previous years as the nation is still having to deal with the COVID-19
pandemic. Residents are urged to be mindful of the virus and that a 3rd wave
might be on our doorsteps if we fail to adhere to all the regulations as set
out in the Disaster Management Act. Strict compliance will be closely monitored
by police across the metro,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
Naidu said parents and guardians are warned that they will
be charged in terms of the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act no 38 of 2005) if they
neglect or abandon their children as it has been a tendency over the festive
season especially at beaches for some parents to lose and abandon their
children.
“This is also a time when drownings increase where children
are left to play in dams, pools and the sea unattended. Adults are urged to
behave responsibly and drinking in public places are strictly prohibited.
Anyone caught drinking in a public place will be arrested, charged and their
alcohol confiscated.”
Drivers are urged to be extra vigilant on the roads as
traffic is expected to increase as this is a time where we experience a lot of
vehicle accidents, “Do not drink and drive as your irresponsibility can be
detrimental to many innocent lives including the drunken driver.”
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig
Thandiswa Kupiso stated that the multi-disciplinary operations on a 24-hour basis
will focus on high visibility of police and other law enforcement in hotspot
areas.
“These will include heightened visibility at beaches, the
promenade, tourist destinations, shopping centres as well as conducting operations
and patrols on the national roads. A zero-tolerance approach will be followed
against the abuse of alcohol, with a focus on public drinking, substance abuse
and crimes related to it,” Kupiso said.
Kupiso added that police would also be tightening their responses
to Gender Based Violence and crimes committed against women and a children.
“All of us must fight the second pandemic of GBV and as
officers of the law, no sympathy will be given to perpetrators of such crime.
Our citizens are also reminded that the COVIC-19 plague is still very much
among us and people must continue to ensure the wearing of personal protection
equipment and constantly maintain social distancing. “
