TO combat crime in the Bay, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have officially kick-started the 2024 Safer Festive Season programme.
This initiative embraces a zero-tolerance approach towards crime and highlights a steadfast commitment to working alongside all law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
The launch occurred on Wednesday, November 20, at the Feather Market Hall and was accompanied by a road safety roadblock on the N2 Neptune Bridge.
Leading the charge was NMBM Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, alongside SAPS NMB District Commander, Major General Vuyisile Ncata and Members of the Mayoral Committee.
Mayor Lobishe expressed optimism about the benefits of this cooperative venture, saying, “The purpose of this cooperation agreement is to maximise integrated relationships with all spheres of government and civil society, resulting in a safe and secure environment.
“It also involves developing programmes, plans, and interventions aimed at reducing crime rates and ensuring strategic alignment in implementation.”
Emphasising the importance of collaboration, she added, “We are committed to maintaining a clean and safe city. I commend the EDTA’s initiative of internal collaborations with Public Health, SAPS, businesses, and the tourism industry to ensure a successful festive season.
“We warmly welcome back those who work in other towns and the many tourists visiting our Friendly City. We are ready to deliver yet another memorable festive season.”
The programme also includes partnerships with the Department of Home Affairs and Correctional Services to enhance the festive season operation.
During the multidisciplinary roadblock, a total of 454 vehicles were stopped, and 225 searched, resulting in the issuance of traffic offence fines for unlicensed and unregistered vehicles.
Two arrests were made—one for an unlicensed firearm and another for drunken driving.
Major General Ncata highlighted the increasingly organised nature of criminal activities, which has prompted a more rigorous response from law enforcement agencies.
“We will not tolerate lawlessness in our City. I am pleased with our preparedness and expect more from our forces, including traffic services, the police, and Metro Police, as we intensify our operations. We aim to be proactive in hot-spot areas and roadblocks, addressing our crime generators, especially in taverns, ensuring their compliance.”
Reflecting on the impact of the cooperation agreement, Ncata concluded, “Since the signing of the cooperation agreement, we have observed a reduction in crime, particularly in house robberies, car and truck hijackings, and street robberies involving firearms.
“We have decided that despite criminals’ boldness in trying to dominate the streets of our beautiful City, we will not allow it. We are prepared to fight back and will not permit the targeting of police or law enforcement officers.”
