North police share Christmas messages and safety tips

As the end of the year is upon us, the north police want to wish their community well this festive season.

Rietgat SAPS commander Brigadier Molatelo Maphoto said on behalf of the station and CPF he would like to wish residents of the Rietgat precinct a joyful and safe festive season as well as a prosperous new year.

He said 2022 has been eventful and tumultuous, characterised by emotional roller-coasters as they fought the scourge of crime and criminality.

“As the station, we concede that a lot still has to be done to make sure that you are and feel safe within the precinct. We would also like to assure you that during this festive season we are putting all hands on deck, shoulder to the wheel and delivering you a seamless service to the best of our ability.”

He advised all visitors to the Rietgat precinct to do what is right and stick to the Constitution of the country. Police will then ensure that they’re protected and well taken care of.

“Take care of your valuables at malls, do not keep or carry a large amount of money either at home or in your possession, report any suspicious-looking individuals and vehicles, avoid driving alone in the belly of the night if you do not know the area well, do not drink and drive, buckle up and always have your driver’s licence on hand,” he said.

The residents were also advised to lock their gates, house and windows.

“Ladies, avoid accepting a lift from strangers during the festive season. Do not leave your drinks unattended at parties, parks or events,” he said.

Taxi drivers are advised to drive responsibly when they take the youth to picnics and parties.

“Call those teenagers to order and stop drinking and driving. To members of the public in general, public drinking and public urinating remain offences and it becomes more prevalent during the festive season to avoid such unnecessary behaviour.”

Temba station commander Brigadier Johannes Tau said special operations will be conducted to create a safer environment for the community of Hammanskraal and arrest those who will be on the wrong side of the law during the festive season.

He advised residents to take care of themselves, avoid carrying a large amount of money and false prophets.

“Do not leave valuable items on the car seat. Rather put them in the boot as these attract criminals. Let us not drink and drive, always obey the rules of the road and make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy before taking any trip,” he said.

He said people must avoid posting pictures while on vacation because that might alert criminals that nobody is home.

“They will go and break into your house and steal everything. Rather keep your life private until you return from your vacation,” he said.

He advised school children not to commit suicide in case they fail a grade.

“If you did not make it to the next grade do not despair. There’s always a second chance next year, just dust yourself off and go back to school. Suicide is not a solution,” he said.

Soshanguve police spokesperson Constable Nhlanhla Zondi advised business owners to strengthen their security.

He said pedestrians must remain cautious when walking at the Aubrey Matlakala Street because armed robberies often happen there.

“We have six patrolling vehicles around malls and a couple of places including this street ensuring that the residents are safe,” he said.

Listen to the tips:

Dube police spokesperson Warrant-Officer Tembi Nowathe said robberies of social clubs were the constant crimes committed during the festive season.

“Every festive we remind socials to make cash transfers on accounts. We will have operations such as roadblocks and stop-and-searches. Dube police would like to alert the community to have a safer festive season with their families,” she said.

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