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The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and local police are putting together a series of plans.
Brigadier Fred Alexander, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Acting District Commissioner for the Amajuba District, issued a stern warning to lawbreakers while assuring residents that the local SAPS will not tolerate any offences.
In October, Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, and National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole officially launched the National Safer Festive Season Operations.
In line with this, Brigadier Alexander states that local police in the Amajuba District, including Newcastle, Madadeni, and Osizweni, will now launch a series of operations to combat crime.
According to the Acting District Commissioner, local law enforcement will prioritise the following:
- Aggravated robberies.
- Crimes involving the sale of second-hand goods and possession of suspected stolen goods.
- Crimes involving alcohol. This includes drinking in public, drinking and driving, violating curfew, and liquor stores that break the law.
- Gender-based and domestic violence. In this regard, Brigadier Alexander states that law enforcement will arrest offenders and educate the public about this scourge.
- Re-enforcing municipal bylaws. This includes, for example, the illegal sale of fireworks.
- Drug trafficking.
- Break-ins at homes and businesses.
- Stock theft.
It is important to note that the SAPS will be collaborating with various law enforcement agencies, including traffic officials, during the holiday season. This means that people can anticipate additional roadblocks. People can expect the following at roadblocks:
• Stop and search operations. Law enforcement will be looking for illegal firearms, drugs, stolen goods, and unroadworthy vehicles.
More foot patrols are also expected during the holiday season. This will also see more stop and search operations.
“Police killings will be a priority as well.”
Brigadier Alexander
Because the criminal element frequently targets police officers, Brigadier Alexander has issued a directive to local police officers to keep a high-calibre weapon in their patrol vehicles at all times during the holiday season. Safety equipment will also be a top priority. “We will make certain that police officers are well-prepared for whatever comes their way.”
As Black Friday approaches, the police have also met with various malls and larger shopping centres management. This is to put in place a series of strategies to combat potential crime.
As the police prepare for the holiday season, the public is warned that several operations may begin in the coming days, possibly as early as this weekend. Given this, the criminal element has been officially warned.
What are your thoughts on this? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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One Response
This is a good action plan by the SAPS and it should always be enforced. Drinking in public is a great concern as well as adherence to the curfew times. Just visit the shopping Centre area in Frikkie Meyer Ave Barry Hertzog Park, Newcastle and you will realize that there is absolutely no law enforcement preset.