Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has warned police not to leak information to the public on planned operations. Shongwe was speaking during a police parade before a law enforcement operation that took place on 10 and 11 December 2010 in Ermelo and Breyten respectively.
The operation is part of the department’s project called Overall Friday which is aimed at increasing the visibility of police and also to enhance the crime prevention objective of the police.
The activities of the project includes conducting of road blocks, raiding of shebeens and liquor outlets to check if they do comply with their licence, and handing over of food parcels and furniture to victim support centres and poor families.
In his comments, Shongwe said that information about operations is confidential, and the public should not know about planned activities of the police. He said that police officers should always be responsible for safeguarding the information about operations to make sure that it is not leaked to the public.
Shongwe added that such habits tempers with the work of police in eliminating dangerous weapons and people who pose danger to the community. “This project will continue until crime is completely eradicated, we will make sure that we do not leave any stone unturned”, said Shongwe.
During these operations in Ermelo and Breyten, 24 liquor outlets were raided and one shebeen was closed and seven taverns were fined for violating the conditions of the operating licence. In the process, two firearms were confiscated and a most wanted robbery suspect was arrested.
Twenty two cases related to traffic offences were recorded and six of those cases were for driving under the influence of alcohol. Eleven people were also arrested for public drinking.
Shongwe commended the police for working very hard, however, he mentioned that if information did not leaked to the public, more dangerous weapons, drugs could have been eliminated and wanted suspects arrested.
“We are going ahead with our operation because we have a duty to protect the communities of the province and the fact that good citizens of the province support of our campaign makes us more determined”, said Shongwe.
Meanwhile, the MEC told the police that he had written letters to Mayors in Mpumalanga to activate their bylaws to assist in the fight against crime. These bylaws will enable the police to enforce the law for offences such as drinking in recreational areas such as parks.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government
