With the festive season fast approaching, the Mpumalanga Government launched its Operation Safer Festive Season in Middelburg, led by Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, on November 21.

Alongside the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, and the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, Mtshweni-Tsipane addressed the community members and organisations at the Themba Senamela Stadium in Mhluzi.

“We really commend the Mpumalanga SAPS for working tirelessly to ensure safety in our province. The police alone cannot fight and win the war against drugs and crime, but with the help of our communities, we can go far. We appeal to our communities to work with the police and provide them with information with regards to any criminal elements in their areas,” she said.

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She said the police have to intensify their operations for the upcoming festive season to ensure the safety of the public.

The day’s activities included a handover of new motorbikes and vehicles to various police stations in the province to assist in combating crime. Dagga and counterfeit goods were confiscated and destroyed, and roadblocks were conducted in various areas in the province.

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The executive mayor of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Cllr Mhlonishwa Masilela, and that of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Leah Mabuza, joined the launch.