Pretoria - Criminals hoping to make merry during the festive season were given a stern warning by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Friday, who said police would be doubling their efforts to ensure a safe holiday season.
Speaking at the Eastern Cape launch for the Festive Season Crime Fighting Plan, the minister promised increased police visibility at popular spots and commitment from police officers.
"We warn any would-be criminals in East London, Motherwell, Mthatha, Qunu, Butterworth or any other area around Eastern Cape, that we will be everywhere. We will cover each space, from the remotest of areas to the cities," he said.
Police presence at malls, taxi ranks, recreational areas and identified hotspot will be "aggressively increased" during the festive season.
Police operations will focus on curbing house and business robberies, cash-in-transit heists and hijackings.
Social crime prevention operations, dealing with crimes such as assault, murder, rape and crimes against women and children will also be given priority.
"High police visibility will be a central aspect to policing during this festive season. We have the resources, personnel and more importantly, we have the commitment of our police officers," Mthethwa said.
Eastern Cape police have already dealt a blow to crime in the province, arresting 19 156 suspected criminals from 18 October to 8 December.
This included 414 for rape, 301 for murder and 147 for aggravated robbery. On the roads, 15 777 traffic fines were issued. Police also recovered 117 stolen vehicles, 3 274 and made 710 arrests for drunken driving.
The minister also noted the recent successes of the Hawks in that province.
On Tuesday, the Hawks arrested two suspected robbers and killed another when they attempted to rob a Coin Security vehicle collecting money in Lusikisiki.
The Hawks, supported by the National Intervention Unit, recovered R35 million.
On Thursday, they arrested 22 people in Port Elizabeth for allegedly defrauding the Road Accident Fund.
"We commend our members for not only saving businesses but also saving lives of innocent citizens. This is the kind of operations we shall see during this festive and beyond," he said.
