The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola encourages everyone to celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly.
Police will ensure heightened visibility in the form of multidisciplinary and integrated operations to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the country.
The SAPS in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies will maintain high visibility on the roads, public spaces such as parks and beaches, train stations, taxi ranks and malls through foot, vehicle, and air-support patrols.
Roadblocks, stop and searches, vehicle checkpoints, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, and gun shops continue.
The SAPS advises caution with the use of fireworks. Communities are encouraged to use fireworks responsibly and ensure that no children handle them.
The ushering in of the New Year sees a lot of celebrations. It is on this note that we urge everyone to avoid drinking and driving, and encourage extra vigilance of surroundings.
“While ushering in the New Year, let us all be responsible in the we celebrate. Monitor your alcohol consumption, and don’t drink and drive.
Masemola said heavily intoxicated people often fall victim to various crimes such as being robbed, raped, and assaulted with no recollection of these incidents.
“It is thus important to be responsible. If anyone is found on the wrong side of the law and arrested today for any crime, they will spend the New Year in police holding cells up until they appear in court and are granted bail.
Masemola warned that police will not tolerate lawlessness and will be out in full force to enforce the law.
“Our police officers are out there tracing wanted suspects, searching for illegal and unwanted firearms and illicit goods,” warned General Fannie Masemola.
This evening, General Masemola and the Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant Gen Tebello Mosikili will join the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant Gen Elias Mawela in monitoring New Year’s Eve celebrations in and around identified hotspots in Gauteng.
Communities are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the Crime Stop on 08600 10111, “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING”.
