The Joint Security Forces will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to offenders as we have done since the start of our festive season operation, “Duty Calls”’.
The high visibility of police officers on patrol was maintained as our primary strategy during this operation. However, other operations, including roadblocks and cordon and search operations were conducted yielding phenomenal successes. At least 25000 suspects have been arrested for various crimes including murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, common robbery and driving under the influence of alcohol.
A variety of incriminating items were also seized. More than 140 suspected stolen or hi-hijacked vehicles, 216 illegal firearms, 2 000 rounds of ammunition, a variety of drugs (cocaine, dagga, whoonga, tik, mandrax and heroine) valued at R10 million and an estimated 53 000 litres of alcohol was confiscated and destroyed.
Also among the several hundreds of people arrested were those for illegal sale of alcohol and drinking in public, an indication that this malicious behaviour is not being tolerated.
Our security forces anticipate that during the New Year celebrations people may want to indulge in alcohol and we appeal to them to do this responsibly. There will be no second chance for those that are caught for drinking and driving or for any other offence for that matter, those caught will be prosecuted and made to face the full brunt of the law.
The carnage on roads of late certainly is a cause for concern. Therefore, we would once again urge motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving.
We have already begun intensifying our operation in the build-up to this weekend. Police have deployed strategically, in city centres, suburbs, tourist attraction areas, etc. We will continue to be very visible, there will be more roadblocks, stop-and-search, cordon and search operations to both prevent and combat crimes throughout South Africa. Any inconvenience that may result during these operations is meant for the safety of everyone in the country.
The JOINTS Chairperson, Lieutenant General Mawela has praised the Joint Security Forces for the sterling work so far.
Enquiries:
Vishnu Naidoo Colonel
Tel: 012 400 6573
Cell: 082 567 4153
Fax: +27 12 400 7018
E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za
Zero tolerance during New Year festivities
