Law enforcers launch safer festive season operations

The Brakpan SAPS and the EMPD kickstarted the festive season with two intensified operations on November 1 and 2.

The operations aimed to alert and ease the public’s concerns that criminals will take advantage of the festive season because many people will leave their properties for the holidays.

The EMPD, using regional strategic information, launched the operations’ first phase led by chief superintendent Faith Buthelezi at 9:00 on November 1.

Phase 1 was a roadblock on the R23 to enforce the traffic laws.

By-law officers also monitored spaza shops’ compliance and enforced infrastructure compliance, with the law enforcers doing a walkabout through the informal settlements in the Brakpan precinct.

Phase 2 focused on tavern compliance, crime prevention and drunk driving. The SAPS held their safer festive season operation from 22:00 to 05:00.

SAPS Vispol commander Colonel Robert Makopo led the operation and conducted the parade on the police grounds.

Vispol support head Lieutenant Colonel Pearl van Staad and Captain Nape Magane supported him. The Brakpan SAPS focused on high visibility, trio crimes (business and residential robbery and carjacking) and CDPA (crimes dependent on police action).

The operation saw seven drunk drivers arrested and detained, three J534 (admission of guilt) penalties issued to liquor premises for non-compliance on closing times, managers appointed and a failure to display a liquor license.

The fines amounted to R4 500.

The Brakpan precinct experienced peace throughout the operation because of high visibility and law enforcement collaborated with the Ekurhuleni Health Department, the CPF, Home Affairs and local private security companies.

Makopo thanked everyone for their enthusiasm and commended all the successes, saying law enforcement should retain the momentum they started with this festive season.

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