Police Minister Bheki Cele is intensifying the fight against crime and will deploy an additional 10 000 police officers across all nine provinces over the festive season.

Addressing the media on Sunday, the minister said that with less than two weeks to Christmas, ‘the police ministry and management would like to outright assure the nation that all hands are on deck to protect citizens and their property’.

“The holiday season is a time when criminals sharpen and refine their operations, taking advantage of the festive mood. We too as the country’s law enforcement have to continue to upscale our resources in the fight against crime for the holidays and beyond.

“In the coming days, the bite of the SAPS will be stronger as we welcome 10 000 [additional] officers,” said Cele.

He added that the officers’ deployment will be prioritised in high crime areas and hotspots, especially at places of entertainment and leisure.