Festive season: Eastern Cape steps up crime prevention efforts

The Eastern Cape has intensified its efforts to combat crime ahead of the festive season with the launch of Provincial Safety Month and the Safer Festive Season campaign, aimed at strengthening police visibility, law enforcement operations and community participation in crime prevention.

Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha launched the campaign at the Rotary Stadium in Ngangelizwe, OR Tambo District, recently.

The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS), other law enforcement agencies and community safety structures to improve safety across the province.

A key highlight of the launch was the unveiling of new police vehicles and other operational equipment by Nqatha and SAPS leadership. The additional resources are expected to enhance police capacity, improve operational readiness and strengthen crime-fighting efforts across the province.

The launch was attended by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, OR Tambo District Municipality Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana, King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) councillors, AmaMpondo King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase, traditional leaders, representatives of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, government officials and civil society organisations.

The deployment is part of broader efforts to intensify law enforcement operations and improve police visibility, particularly during the festive season when increased travel, public gatherings and other activities place additional demands on policing services.

Delivering the keynote address, Nqatha assured residents that the SAPS is ready to implement its festive season safety plan, emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent crime and protect residents and visitors.

“Beyond conventional crime prevention, the campaign also places the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) at the centre of the province’s safety agenda,” Nqatha said.

As part of the programme, Nqatha and Ngqondwana presented Certificates of Recognition to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to combating GBVF.

The recipients were acknowledged for their efforts in raising awareness, supporting victims and implementing initiatives aimed at ending gender-based violence and femicide.

The launch also showcased the Department of Community Safety's ongoing work in community mobilisation, victim empowerment, police oversight and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders.

It marks the start of intensified festive season safety operations across the Eastern Cape, focusing on crime prevention, visible policing, law enforcement and community engagement.

Under the theme: “Musa ukuthula kusonakala” (Do not remain silent when things go wrong), communities are encouraged to break the silence around crime, report criminal activities, support victims and work with law enforcement agencies to build safer communities.

“Through this campaign, the Eastern Cape government calls on all residents to play an active role in promoting peace, preventing crime and ensuring a safer festive season for everyone,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.