Nowhere to hide for criminals this festive season

There will be no mercy for offenders who break the law during the festive season.

Starting with ‘Pens Down’ or ‘Omunye phezu komunye’ parties to raves across the region, police will be watching closely at all festivities to ensure there are no criminal activities.

With many high school pupils using the last week of school to party and engage in alcohol and drugs, police say there will be nowhere to hide.

“These parties lead to tragic incidents as celebrations sometimes get out of control. Underage children are often involved in alcohol, drugs and even sexual activities.

“Celebrations often end up in violent attacks, sexual assaults and fatal accidents. In the past, many pupils have lost their lives due to drug overdose and stabbings after drunken arguments, while others become drown victims,” warned King Cetshwayo Cluster police spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase.

During a prize-giving ceremony at Tisand Technical School in eSikhaleni on Tuesday, educational specialist Senzo Dube also warned youngsters not to attend such parties and advised parents to know their children’s whereabouts during the jolly season.

High visibility

Police visibility in crime hotspots and urban shopping areas will be increased to maintain law and order during the festive season in Zululand.

According to police reports, regular roadblocks, crime squad patrols, and stop-search operations will be part of curbing the crime wave which generally engulfs the region.

Shangase said there will be no mercy for offenders, and police will also be targeting those with illegal firearms, illegal liquor outlets and drug-peddling dens.

“There won’t be any negotiations, we will arrest people who are conducting criminal activities. Selling alcohol to minors and not having a licence is an illegal act and we will shut those places down.

“We want criminals to know we are not playing because there will be a police officer close to ATMs and other targeted areas, making it easier for residents to get help,” he said.

Shangase also warned motorists to be vigilant and not to drive while under the influence.

“Roadblocks will be set up and perpetrators will be locked up.

“It is simple, drivers must obey the rules of the road and respect each other to avoid unnecessary accidents that normally occur during this season.

“Law enforcement agencies will be spread out on all national roads such as the N2, as well as all municipal roads in our towns and townships.”

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