AS the festive season approaches, the Durban Metro Police and KwaZulu-Natal Police have put programmes in place to ensure the safety of community members. Recently, the metro police concluded their community outreach programme with schools, teaching children valuable safety lessons.

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According to Durban Metro Police spokesperson Boyse Zungu, the programme was aimed to educate children about safety and empower them to act in emergency situations. “We involved schools in this programme to educate them about safety. We teach them important factors, so they can act in cases of emergency when an adult is not there,” he explained.

The programme is part of a broader effort by the KwaZulu-Natal Police to outline safety measures for the festive season. These measures include identifying hotspots and focusing resources where they are most needed.

Community members are urged to join hands with the police in reporting crime and being vigilant in their neighbourhoods. “It is our responsibility to ensure that both our citizens and visitors can enjoy the beauty of KZN without fear,” said police minister Senzo Mchunu. 

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The SAPS has promised increased police visibility across the province and country during the festive season. “We will have more boots on the ground, conducting operations to counter serious and violent crimes, ensuring that citizens, businesses and tourists feel safe and protected during this time,” added Mchunu.

Captain Peter Keogh, also known as the ‘laughing policeman’, taught children important safety guidelines, including:

– Never go with strangers.

– Never get into a car with strangers.

– Never help a stranger look for a ‘lost animal’.

– Inform parents of your whereabouts and whose house you are visiting.

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– Establish a secret code word with parents in case of an emergency.

– Know how to use a phone in an emergency and which number to call.

Parents are encouraged to reinforce these safety lessons with their children and to teach them how to respond in emergencies.

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