NORTHERN CAPE – On 24 November 2020, the SAPS in the Northern Cape together with other law enforcement agencies and Community Policing Board launched the Safer Festive Season Operation for the province which will run until end of January 2021 under the theme “Tight Grip”.
The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Ms Nomandla Bloem was the functionary of the event and she delivered a keynote address. The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Phiwe Mnguni gave an overview of the operational plan. He emphasised that the province is launching on the eve of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The scourge that has seen our sisters and children suffering at the hands of men, people who should be their protectors. May we not find ourselves as victims of gender-based violence or perpetrators thereof, rather lets us be the hope of our communities as women and men in blue, said Mnguni.
The MEC for Transport Safety and Liaison, Ms Nomandla committed on behalf of the provincial government to support the operations until the end and beyond festive season. As the focus is in ensuring a safer festive season for our province, the law enforcement agencies should keep in mind that the country is still on lockdown level one and should continue ensuring strict compliance of the COVID-19 Disaster Management Act and Regulations so to contain the spread of the virus, she said.
She commended the police members for always sacrificing their time during this time of the year. “When many are spending time with their families and having a good time, the police is out there enforcing law and protecting us, she said.
Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Crime Detection, Major General Kholiswa Otola, delivered the vote of thanks and assured the public that the police will be out in full force, maintaining high visibility in order to protect and serve the people of the Northern.
The official launch concluded with an integrated roadblock on the N12 Road, Weigh Bridge in Kimberley led by the MEC and the Acting Provincial Commissioner. Promotional material and pamphlets on different safety tips and messages were given to motorists while they were stopped and searched.
The following were safety tips that were shared with motorists;
Business Robberies:
*Do not keep too much money in the business premises.
*Be on the lookout for suspicious customers.
*Do not keep the business open until late.
*Avoid being alone in the business, especially at night.
*Do not open for anyone after business is closed.
*Install surveillance cameras if possible.
*Employ security personnel for extra safety.
*Be vigilant when working with money and bank cash as often as possible.
House Robberies:
*Always be on the lookout for suspicious persons and vehicles.
*Enhance security through fitting access doors with security gates and install burglar bars on windows.
*Request neighbours to keep an eye when you go away for an extended period.
*Do not open gates and doors for strangers.
*Verify the details of anyone before you employ them and check authenticity of a contractor before you allow access to the premises.
*Watch dogs are also good deterrents for robbers.
*Be vigilant when entering your motor vehicle gate for suspicious persons loitering around on pavements and in the street.
Safety tips at shopping centers and malls
* Do not ask for help from strangers at ATMs.
* Do not display money in public
* Do not ask for directions from a stranger; instead ask from law enforcement agents
* Keep your personal belongings such as handbag and wallet safe.
* Always observe your surroundings.
*Do not be a hero, your life is worth more than anything.
Remember to stay safe and alert at all times. In case of any emergency, contact your local police station or call the SAPS emergency number 10111.
The safer festive season operations kicks off in Northern Cape with an official launch on the N12 road in Kimberley https://t.co/1QNzv1L2an#ArriveAlive #SaferFestiveSeason #Operation #RoadSafety @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/GgVT8XjbDg
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 24, 2020