Gauteng’s safer festive season: Police strategy to ensure community safety

Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, has unveiled the province’s comprehensive strategy to ensure community safety during the festive season.

Speaking at the launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign in Randfontein, Mawela emphasized the commitment of the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) to intensify crime prevention efforts.

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“Each government department will enforce its legislative mandate more aggressively, with a heightened officer’s presence through blue light patrols and rapid response vehicles at key locations,” he said.

The safer festive season core theme

The Safer Festive Season campaign’s core theme is “Combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement.”

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The focus during this festive period will be on preventing gender-based violence and femicide, protecting vulnerable groups, combating aggravated robberies, and enforcing firearm, liquor, and second-hand goods legislation.

Additionally, the campaign will emphasize safety at recreational events and address issues such as drunken driving, speeding, and unroadworthy vehicles.
Law enforcement will conduct roadblocks and enhance intelligence capabilities in hotspot areas by collaborating with community patrollers and police forums.

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Police Minister General Bheki Cele stressed the importance of officer’s role as protectors of South African citizens, highlighting the declaration of war by criminals against the population.

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Cele urged the police to prioritize the safety of women, children, and the elderly and emphasized the prompt handling of their cases when reported.

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The government’s commitment to improving police visibility includes the deployment of approximately 10 000 newly trained officers in December, enhancing their capacity to maintain security during the festive season.

The Safer Festive Season campaign underscores the determination of law enforcement to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents of Gauteng during this celebratory time.

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