The Western Cape Police have received 175 new operational vehicles in six policing districts to improve response times and strengthen crime-fighting capacity during the upcoming festive season.
The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, together with the National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lt Gen Fannie Masemola, and the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Sizakhele Dyantyi, officially launched the Western Cape Safer Festive Season Operations at Nyanga Rugby Stadium on Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch, Cachalia said the festive season is usually a time during which criminals seek to exploit increased travel, social gatherings and the absence of people from their homes.
“The Western Cape is a tourist destination – for citizens and international visitors alike. It is therefore paramount that we ensure the safety and security of all during the festive season.”
According to police, interventions include integrated, intelligence-driven and high-density operations that will be intensified in identified crime hotspots. It will reportedly also focus on disrupting criminal activities, tracing and apprehending wanted suspects, removing illegal firearms from circulation, conducting roadblocks and enforcing the law.
Cachalia added that combatting the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide during the festive season is a government priority and for all members of the public. He added that residents must also remember those who continue to live in fear of GBV+F abuse and violence.
“Protecting our women and children from abuse and violence must remain at the centre of our national agenda. Violence and abuse have no place anywhere in our homes, communities and public spaces,”
The Western Cape SAPS will reportedly also continue to strengthen close partnership policing with the City of Cape Town and other law enforcement agencies through coordinated operations and the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement with the City.
According to police, this will bring together resources, expertise and operational capabilities to address crime more effectively and improve community safety.
“Crime requires all of government and all of society to play a role. Together, we can ensure that the festive season is safe, peaceful and enjoyable for us all,” concluded Cachalia
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