With the Safer Festive Season Operations in full swing throughout the country, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola says he is satisfied with the progress made to ensure a safer festive season for all people on South African shores.
The Safer Festive Season Operational Plan focuses on six areas which includes preventing and enhancing police actions towards Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), preventing and combating aggravated armed robberies, enhancing border security, enforcing legislation and bylaws as well as road safety.
With the addition of more boots on the ground following the deployment of 10 000 newly trained Constable’s the SAPS has been hard at work in heightening police visibility through integrated and joint law enforcement crime combatting operations including patrols, stop and searches, roadblocks and the tracing of wanted suspects.
Compliance inspections are continuously being conducted at establishments that sell liquor and second hand good dealers including gun shop owners.
To this end, from 01 December to 29 December 2022, the following successes have been achieved through the nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations:
· 2940 illegal undocumented persons were arrested
· 2729 suspects were arrested for drug related crime
· 1284 suspects arrested for dealing illegally in liquor
· 628 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol
· 305 suspects were arrested and charged for Murder
· 527 suspects were arrested and charged for sexual related offences including rape
· 31 suspects involved in kidnapping cases were arrested
· 445 firearms were seized including 7219 rounds of ammunition
· 244 stolen vehicles recovered
· 9 444 explosives were seized
As the country prepares to usher in 2023, the National Commissioner assures the nation that members will continue to be on high alert to prevent and combat incidents of lawlessness with a view of ensuring everyone in the country is and feels safe.
“While police will be deployed to hotspot areas, members of the public are urged to be extra vigilant of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station. We urge everyone to conduct themselves in an orderly and responsible manner as they usher in the New Year, most importantly remember not to drink and drive to prevent loss of life on our roads”, said General Fannie Masemola.
On behalf of the SAPS, let me take this opportunity to wish you all law abiding citizens a safe and secure New Year. We hope that in 2023 communities through their local Community Police Forums (CPF) will continue to work closely with the SAPS to prevent, combat and investigate all forms of criminality.
Members of the public are also reminded to call the Crime Stop on 08600 10111, whenever in danger or to share any criminal related incidents. Callers are reminded that they may remain anonymous.