Police visibility heightened to ensure a safe and secure Easter holiday
The South African Police Service, supported by other law enforcement agencies, government departments and stakeholders, has heightened police visibility and increased our operations over the Easter holiday period.
This heightened visibility will be realised through holding roadblocks, patrols, search-and-seizure operations and strategically deploying resources in all provinces. By following the Back-to-Basics approach to policing, we intend to ensure that all in South Africa can enjoy their well-deserved Easter break in safety.
The Department of Police recently released crime statistics for the period 1 April to 31 December 2016, which revealed an encouraging decrease in contact crime, contact-related crime, property-related crime and other serious crimes.
We fully intend to build on these decreases and appeal to all communities to assist and support us in our endeavour to create a safe and secure environment for all in South Africa
“We call on all communities to play their role in ensuring their own safety over the holidays. This can be done by being vigilant, abiding by the laws of the country and the rules of the road, reporting crime to the authorities and exercising moderation especially when it comes to the use of alcohol,” said Acting National Police Commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane.
As the SAPS has noted over previous holiday seasons, criminals seek to prey on people while they are relaxed and have dropped their guard. Whilst communities enjoy themselves, they should still be aware of their surroundings and take steps to secure their loved ones and property.
Law enforcement and departments of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, supported by stakeholders, will be playing our part, in terms of the various mandates.
Operation Paseka, the annual Easter holiday crime prevention and combating operation, has already been rolled out across the country and many successes have been achieved to date.
“We wish all in South African a happy Easter holiday break and assure you of our continued commitment to serve and protect. We thank all the men and women in blue who are sacrificing their family time and holidays to ensure peace and stability in South Africa.
We call on all people to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, to abide by the rules of the road and not to drink and drive,” add Lieutenant General Phahlane.
In Tshwane today, law enforcement are present in numbers to monitor the protest march underway which will end at the Union Buildings. We again call on all participants to exercise their right to protest peacefully, within the confines of the laws of our land including the Regulation of Gatherings Act.
Enquiries:
Maj Gen Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658
Colonel Athlenda Mathe
Cell: 082 040 8808
