Emergency services issue festive season messages and warnings
Tshwane EMS members, along with police officers will also inspect events that had been approved by the metro’s Events Joint Operations Committee.
A number of emergency services in Tshwane have warned residents to be vigilant this festive season, as crime and accidents tend to increase during this period.
TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the Tshwane metro police department (TMPD) wished Rekord readers a Merry Christmas and to be safe heading into the new year.
“Celebrate responsibly and maintain the rules of the road. Adhere to Covid-19 regulations, do not drink and drive, avoid speed, check vehicle roadworthiness before embarking on a journey.
“To be safe and alert today, mean one can live to see another day,” he said.
ALSO READ: Mamelodi Superb pageant winners announced
Tshwane emergency services department (ESD) spokesperson Charles Mabaso said they were prepared for the December 2021 to January 2022 festive season.
He said their members were ready for various emergency incidents that may occur during the festive season as well as daily operational events.
“The ESD is an integral part of integrated response services during the festive season with the TMPD, SAPS, heads of the seven regions of Tshwane and other metro departments.
“During this festive season, ESD fire safety officers will participate in special joint operations with other stakeholders to verify and check for applicable approvals or licensing and where necessary issue contravention notices.”
Mabaso said members, along with officers would also inspect special events that had been approved by the metro’s events joint operations committee.
“The fact that motorists need to adhere to traffic regulations and road safety measures during this period can never be overemphasised.”
Mabaso said while the country was still placed in a national state of disaster as a result of the Covid-19, the ESD aimed at curbing the spread and effects of the virus.
“The disaster operations centre of the city is on standby for activation as and when it may be required. We, therefore, call on residents to continue observing level 1 Covid-19 regulations and restrictions.”
He pleaded with residents to remain vigilant and consider their safety and those of others.
“Things that amuse us, like fireworks, swimming pools and so on, tend to be a risk for our lives and property.”
He said the public could help to ensure a safer festive season by bringing contraventions of the above to the attention of Tshwane law enforcement on the following numbers:
– Disturbance of peace: Tshwane metro police department 012 358 7095/7096
– Fire hazard at premises: ESD on 107 or 012 310 6300/6400 or 012 310 6200 during office hours (08:00 to 16:00)
– Animals in distress or cruelty to animals: Waltloo SPCA on 083 453 3863 or Centurion SPCA on 082 807 5671
– To enable emergency response and co-ordination of other response measures during storms or any life-threatening emergency, dial 107 toll-free from a landline of cellphone.
The Tshwane district SAPS said they would intensify police operations and “stamp the authority of the state” during festive season.
Police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said a zero-tolerance approach would adopted during the festive season to the new year of 2022.
“The SAPS and other law enforcement agencies will be working around the clock to conduct operations in Tshwane district.”
Selepe said the district had already increased visibility in shopping malls, stop-and-searches and foot patrols.
“These strategic crime preventions assist in the reduction of contact crimes, trio crimes, seizing of stolen properties, illegal firearms, and closing down illegal liquor outlets.”
She said joint-roadblocks would also be conducted to check the roadworthiness of vehicles, reckless driving, motorist fitness to drive and drunken driving.
“In the past month, the district has warned and arrested over 200 people for drinking alcohol in public areas, and detained over 70 for drunk driving. Therefore, more people will be detained for such criminal activities.”
She urged residents and visitors to be responsible and obey the law.
“We caution people not to neglect their home and personal safety habits, as the festive season is normally a busy time for opportunistic criminals.”
The acting district commissioner, Brigadier Samuel Thine indicated that law enforcement agencies in Tshwane would fight any acts of crime in communities.
“We plead with our residents to celebrate the festive season responsibly and avoid drinking and driving. End your journey safely.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
