Cracking the whip on general lawlessness in Mbombela, especially over the upcoming festive season, the Nelspruit SAPS has launched Operation Safer Festive Season.
In co-operation with private security companies, the City of Mbombela’s by-law enforcement and traffic department, immigration, the Lowveld Security JOC and civilian structures, the operation will run from mid-November to mid-January.

The Nelspruit CPF chairperson, John Meintjes, said each operation will involve high-visibility patrols (in itself a deterrent to crime) and have a specific focus area aimed at combatting specific crimes. Some of the rampant crimes to be addressed include non-compliance with the Liquor Act, traffic offences such as drunk driving and driving without number plates, illegal street vendors and pavement businesses, as well as the large number of vagrants and undocumented foreigners on the streets of Mbombela.

“Operation activities will take place at any time of the day or night, any day of the week. High-visibility patrols and vehicle checkpoints will be done in an effort to decrease crime in general in the city,” said Meintjes.

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Tightening the screws on liquor law offenders

Lowvelder tagged along on the first of the series of planned operations on Saturday night, November 9. Areas covered included the CBD, residential suburbs and Mataffin. The eight-hour shift that started at 18:00 and ended in the early hours of Sunday morning specifically targeted public drinking and liquor outlets’ non-compliance with the Liquor Act. It produced a number of successes.

An establishment in Nelsville was closed down for selling alcohol without a liquor licence. Much to the ire of the surrounding neighbourhood, 2 000 bottles of alcohol were confiscated and two people arrested and charged with the offence. At face value, the spaza shop looked like an innocuous little business, selling daily essentials to customers. However, it was the large stash of alcohol found in fridges behind the counter and stacked to the ceiling in a back room that unveiled the true nefarious nature of this business.

Later in the evening, a popular pub was closed for the night and a fine issued for selling liquor after midnight. It was striking to see people stumbling in, after driving across town from other establishments that closed at midnight.

Five people were also arrested in the CBD and Mataffin for drinking in public, while another was arrested in the infamous Brown Street and charged with defeating the ends of justice after he had tried to overpower the police officers who confiscated dagga from another offender.
Wishing the city’s residents a blessed and safe festive season on behalf of the operational team, Meintjes urged members of the public to abide by the law this festive season.

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“Do not leave valuables in your motor vehicle and be vigilant wherever you go. If you notice anything suspicious, please report it immediately to your security company, the City of Mbombela, SAPS or CPF,” Meintjes said.