The Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has welcomed the handover of 175 new vehicles to the South African Police Service in the province at the launch of the Western Cape’s Festive Season Operations.

Boost to policing capacity

Marais said the additional vehicles were a much-needed boost to policing capacity, enabling greater police visibility, improved response times and more effective service delivery to communities across the province.

She also welcomed the police’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led, high-density operations in identified crime hot spots, working alongside the Cape Town Metro Police, LEAP and other law-enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal activity, apprehend wanted suspects and remove illegal firearms from circulation.

“Strong cooperation between the police and other law-enforcement agencies is essential. We must ensure that these additional vehicles and available operational resources are used efficiently and strategically to achieve the greatest possible impact on the ground.”

ALSO READ: 175 new vehicles boost Western Cape Police as crime fight intensifies

A shared responsibility

Marais further emphasised that effective policing requires an active partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

“As we enter the festive season, I urge residents and visitors to play their part in keeping our communities safe. Share information about criminal activity with law enforcement, support crime-fighting efforts and remain vigilant. I also call on everyone to exercise caution, obey the law and behave responsibly throughout the festive period. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play in ensuring that our communities and visitors can enjoy a safer festive season.”

ALSO READ: Western Cape targets gang bosses in fight against organised crime