Eastern Cape – The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, officially launched the Provincial Safer Festive Season Operations in Alice on Friday, 10 November 2023. As reported in a new release by the Eastern Cape SAPS, the theme for this year’s operation is “Combating crime through decisive police action and robust community engagement.”
According to South African Police Service, Cllr Sango, in her welcoming address, called for stronger community-police relations in tackling crime. She highlighted the critical role of integrated actions and warned local spaza shops against selling expired goods, citing recent incidents of children falling ill from consuming such products. Regular inspections will be conducted, and non-compliant shops will face hefty fines.
Supporting messages from various stakeholders emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing criminal activities and reporting Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. They also pointed out the role of drugs and liquor abuse in contributing to crime.
Lt Gen Mene, in her keynote address, underscored the importance of collaboration with law enforcement agencies. She announced the deployment of 977 new police officers, who will graduate from training colleges in mid-December, to support the operations. The Festive Season Operations, an extension of Operation Shanela, aim to heighten police visibility and assert state authority while gaining public confidence.
The Eastern Cape SAPS is equipped with new police vehicles to enhance visibility in hotspot areas. Lt Gen Mene assured the public of the SAPS’s readiness to serve with commitment and dedication, not only during the festive season but beyond. She urged the communities to exercise caution and act responsibly, warning that law enforcement will strictly enforce the law during the festive period.