Hanoi:Mpumalanga Police will intensify operations across the country during the festive season, focusing on increased visibility on roads, at shopping centres, ports of entry, and other busy areas to protect residents and visitors.
According to South African Government News Agency, Police Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) would deploy dedicated officers around the clock as part of efforts to combat crime and improve public safety. Mathale emphasized the importance of heightened police visibility nationwide during the Safer Festive Season programme launch in Mpumalanga.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that the festive season brings a surge in tourism, leading to busier ports of entry as people travel in and out of the country. Consequently, police officers will be more visible on the road, in shopping centres, and other areas with high concentrations of people and tourists. Mathale also noted the increase in road fatalities and accidents during this period, often due to driving under the influence of alcohol. A zero tolerance approach will be adopted against drinking and driving, with SAPS enforcing liquor trading and public consumption laws, as well as enhancing safety at sports and recreational events.
Mathale stressed the need for a stronger response to the ongoing killings of women and children, reinforcing efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Integrated campaigns and law enforcement operations will target perpetrators of violent crimes against women and children.
The festive season initiatives also include preventing aggravated robberies and trio crimes, strengthening border security with the Border Management Authority (BMA), dismantling the illicit economy, enforcing compliance with legislation regarding firearms, liquor, and second-hand goods, and intensifying road safety operations with traffic authorities at all levels. Security at major events will be enhanced, including preparations for the 2026 local government elections, and efforts will be made to protect voting stations and election results, as well as targeting extortion and kidnapping.
Mathale reaffirmed that fighting and eliminating all forms of crime is the primary mandate of the Department of Police. He clarified that the safer festive season programme is intended to augment and upscale policing during the holiday season, marking a renewed commitment to protecting residents and visitors and ensuring that criminals have nowhere to hide. Mathale called on communities to collaborate with the police in the fight against crime, emphasizing that criminals live among community members who know who they are.
