Saps Mpumalanga launched their Safer Festive Season 2022 on 15 November in eMbalenhle
The Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Lt General SD Manamela said that she wants to assure the residents of Mpumalanga that they are ready with resources and vehicles and human bodies that will be deployed this festive season.
“We are aware that criminals will be using all opportunities this season to break into and rob places,” said Manamela, “there are hotspots such as malls and our borders that are going to be fully packed with vehicles and people that are going to be crossing the border.”
Manamela also said that they must address the issues of rapes and murders that are taking place.
She also said that the liquor outlets must also play their parts as they will be opened longer and younger people will be visiting them, drinking alcohol. People must not be drinking the whole night.
She also said that people carrying money must be aware of those that can rob them of their hard-earned cash. “This is one of the reasons that we must be visible this season,” said Manamela.
A lot of patrolling with stop and search will be done. There will be various places on our roads that will be targeted such as the N4, N12 and N17 as well as Delmas and Grootvlei areas where there are high jackings. Trucks are being hijacked in the areas. Greater police visibility would ensure a Safer Festive Season
Bushbuckridge and Kanyamazane areas will also be targeted where there is a high number of CIT’s (cash in transit).
Manamela also mentioned the security clusters that will be helping with securing houses and businesses. She also said that the CPF will also be playing a big role by providing information to the police.
She also said that the traditional leaders are also playing a big role by assisting the police and they cannot do their work in rural areas if they don’t engage them also.
Manamela said that they are proud of their relationship with the taxi associations and that they have relationships with all the role players in the province.
New vehicles have been allocated to the province and a large number of trainees will finish their training in the next few weeks and will join the forces on the ground.
The Bulletin asked the Commissioner about the attention that will be given to the Numbi road. “Numbi road is one of our hotspots,” replied Manamela, “there are continuous operations on the Numbi road. We also have security companies partnering with us in the area.”
The Flying Squad have also been patrolling that road full-time. SAPS presence will be intensified during this period as more people will be using that road. The attention given to Numbi road will not stop after the festive season.
Also read: Fraud accused receives 11 years
The Bulletin spoke to the Gert Sibande Executive Mayor Cllr Walter Mngomezulu about the district’s plans for this season.
Mngomezulu said that by-laws were passed that will be enforced by the 7 local municipalities. He also said that these municipalities have appointed by-law enforcers to help enforce the by-laws.
“We are working with traditional leaders and pastors and will be holding prayers and forum events where we will be praying for a Safer Festive Holiday,” said Mngomezulu, “we will also encourage the communities through our CPF’s to report crime when it happens.”
They will also be embarking on a “Know your Neighbourhood” campaign. You need to know who your neighbours are.
“We have also asked the municipalities to ensure that the lights are working to help the police in their work. They struggle to do their work in the dark, especially in informal settlements.”
The Safer Festive Season launch was concluded with a parade that included the police, traffic officials and security clusters.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
