With the festive season fast approaching, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Amajuba District is taking a firm stand against crime. Determined to protect the community, SAPS is preparing to show no leniency to lawbreakers. From tackling business and residential robberies to cracking down on drug dealers, public urination, drink-driving, and violent crimes, law enforcement is resolutely increasing efforts to safeguard residents and visitors during the holidays.
Constable Nonjabulo Langa, Spokesperson for the Amajuba District SAPS, has issued a stern warning to potential offenders ahead of the festive season.
She emphasised that the SAPS has devised a comprehensive operational plan, which was implemented in October and will run until 30 January 2025.
“We will be conducting a series of high-visibility operations in town, both in the CBD and residential areas, alongside the respective role players that work with the SAPS. These include Community Policing Forums, security companies, and registered crime-fighting organisations,” explained Constable Langa.
Targeting High-Risk Areas and Violent Crimes
Reflecting on these high-visibility operations, Constable Langa outlined that police stations under the jurisdiction of the Amajuba District SAPS are focusing on identifying crime hotspots in the district’s various communities.
These efforts aim to monitor high-risk events and take a multidisciplinary approach to combating violent crimes.
It must be highlighted that the Amajuba District SAPS serves the areas of Newcastle, Madadeni, Osizweni, Blaauwbosch, Utrecht, Dannhauser, Ingagane, Ingogo, and Charlestown. Violent crimes, such as opportunistic robberies on local roads, aggravated assault, and murder, remain pressing concerns within all these areas. While Constable Langa refrained from divulging specific details about the operations, she assured the public that these measures aim to create a safer environment and reduce fears of being targeted by criminal elements.
“We will also be doing integrated roadblocks across the Amajuba District, which will look at drinking and driving, individuals attempting to bring drugs and firearms into the district, as well as ensuring no human trafficking is taking place in our area during the festive season with the import or export of any person,” Constable Langa emphasised.
Addressing Seasonal Crime Trends
Due to the influx of people entering Newcastle and surrounding areas during the festive season, coupled with residents receiving bonuses and preparing for holidays, Constable Langa noted that the SAPS is focusing on specific crimes. These include aggravated robberies, which often target individuals shopping in the CBD, jogging in suburbs, or engaging in other activities.
Additionally, she highlighted the police’s commitment to addressing residential and business robberies, which typically rise during this period.
Part of the method to address these issues will include higher visibility, with SAPS working alongside other stakeholders to garnish intel on potential crime operations.
Cracking Down on Alcohol-Related Incidents
The festive season often sees an increase in violent crimes and road collisions linked to alcohol consumption. To combat this, Constable Langa stressed the SAPS will intensify enforcement against alcohol outlets, ensuring compliance with laws and bylaws to minimise drunken celebrations escalating into violence or fatalities.
“We will be addressing rape, murder, assault, and collisions, which are often linked to alcohol usage,” Constable Langa stated.
Ensuring Infrastructure and Tourist Safety
Critical infrastructure will be closely monitored to prevent criminal activities from disrupting service delivery. Recognising Newcastle as a transit hub for tourists during the holidays, the SAPS will also prioritise tourist safety.
This will involve deploying officers across town to ensure a secure environment for both visitors and residents.
“Also, now that the Newcastle Municipality has established the bylaws and the SAPS is working alongside the Municipality, we will also be focusing intensely on bylaw enforcement to ensure law and order prevail in and around Newcastle,” said Constable Langa.
Reinforcing Police Resources
Constable Langa acknowledged that manpower shortages have been a challenge in the past but assured the community that this would not hinder their efforts this year. “We will be getting extra police officers during the festive season from neighbouring areas and provinces, as we want to show the community that we take their safety seriously and want to ensure everyone has a safe and happy holiday period,” she concluded.
As the SAPS takes proactive steps to address crime in the lead-up to the festive season, the community is encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement. Share your thoughts on these measures in the comments section below.
