With the holiday season fast approaching, Western Cape police and law enforcement partners said they are ready to keep communities safe.

They displayed their preparedness with the official launch of their Safer Festive Season Operation at Rocklands sports complex in Mitchell’s Plain on Thursday October 17.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, handed over the SAPS Western Cape operational plan to National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola.

Lieutenant-General Patekile said as the year draws to a close and the festive season fast approaches, they have already seen crime increase and this has to be matched by integrated forces that are operationally ready.

He said the operational plan handed over to the national commissioner will provide direction and guidance to the police.

“Through operational activities such as roadblocks, stop and searches, tracing operations, vehicle checkpoints and raids, our integrated forces will be visible on the ground backed by vital intelligence.

“All of that will go a long way in our efforts to create safety in communities. We, as a province, are on the back of a rough patch where crimes such as extortion and other serious crimes are threatening the lives of ordinary citizens. Under the theme Combating Crime through Decisive Police Action and Robust Community Involvement, the national launch has set the ball in motion for us,” said Lieutenant-General Patekile.

Provincial CPF Board chairperson, Fransina Lukas said the launch marked the start of a period of rest and celebration for most people, but a busy time for those in safety and security.

“For our partners in the South African Police Service, law enforcement, traffic, hospital personnel, emergency medical responders, fire and rescue services, our neighbourhood watches, Community in Blue teams and our community police forums, it is also a time of increased responsibility, observation and vigilance.”

She the safety patrols, vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, stop-and-search actions, and the many other specialised initiatives members will be carrying out are not just operations, but critical efforts to ensure that roads are safe, neighbourhoods are secure, and that everyone can rest and celebrate the festive season in peace.

Lieutenant-General Masemola gave an overview of what police will be doing over the festive season. He said they will be focusing on gender-based violence. He warned those who abuse their bonuses and go home to start fights, that police will arrest them and they will spend the festive season behind bars.

He said Metro police and traffic officers will be out in numbers to deal with by-laws transgressions, including noise complaints.

“Let us enforce those by-laws and make sure people are not doing things that they are not supposed to do. Clubs and taverns must close on time and comply with the law,” said Lieutenant-General Masemola.

He issued a stern warning to those who drink and drive. “If you drink, drink at home because if you drink and drive, SAPS, law enforcement, traffic police and provincial traffic police will be out there at the roadblocks, they will make sure you do not arrive home.”

He also said they will be focusing on crimes of extortion, a problem in the Western Cape and nationally. He said those who are terrorising the community with extortion will be arrested.

Businesses selling counterfeit goods are also on the police’s radar as they do not pay tax and sell fake goods to the community, said Lieutenant-General Masemola.

He asked the community to work together with police and pleaded with parents to keep an eye on children when they are playing. He said parents must not leave their children locked up in cars when they go out shopping.

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service put on a demonstration. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais with National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola and Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile inspecting the parade. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Members of the South African Police Service on the parade, during the launch of SAPS Safer Festive Season Operations, at Rocklands sports complex in Mitchell’s Plain. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Members of the South African Police Service on parade as the festive season approaches. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Members of the South African Police Service Public Order Police, demonstrate how they deal with rioters and crowd control. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

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Western Cape police unveil festive season plan