Not to be deterred by persistent rain today, the North Beach Amphitheatre was all blue as police drills marked the launch of Integrated Safer Festive Season Operations.

The Premier of KZN, Thamsanqa Ntuli, together with the KZN Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi, unveiled bold new crime detection and prevention strategies aimed at curbing criminal activity across the province during the festive season.

“In KwaZulu-Natal, the phenomenon of ‘Pens Down or Explosion Parties’ is prevalent, especially in the eThekwini region. We are issuing a stern warning to Grade 12 learners who are now busy with their final year examinations that your focus should be on what lies ahead at institutions of higher learning, not dangerous parties that might end with undesirable results.

“In these parties, learners, some of them still under age, indulge in alcohol and illegal drugs, and unfortunately, many of these parties do not end without casualties. We are appealing to parents to adopt active parenthood and discourage their children from risking their lives. You do not want your child to be in conflict with the law because police will be out to enforce the law, not to negotiate with lawbreakers,” stressed Mkhwanazi.

Also read: Matriculants warned against disruptive ‘Pens Down’ parties

The festive plan will have 10 focus areas, namely, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), combating of aggravated robberies (trio crimes), enhancing border security, illicit economy and serious organised crime, firearms, liquor and second hand goods, by-laws, urban decay and hijacked buildings, road safety and traffic law enforcement, events security, tourist safety and protection of economic hubs, and extortion and kidnapping-related crimes.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.