The South African Police Services (SAPS) together with Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) recently arrested 20 people during a joint Safer Festive Season raid in Naledi Soweto.
“20 people were arrested for crimes such as murder, malicious property damage, theft, assault, shoplifting, robbery and driving under the influence of alcohol”, said one of the authorities.
According to the authorities, the joint operation is meant to make the festive season and Christmas holidays safer for residents. They checked liquor outlets in Naledi to verify whether they operate in compliance with the law.
Liquor outlets that were not working in accordance with the law were closed, others fined and their alcohol was confiscated.
The success follows after SAPS in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders which fight against crime, recently launched the 2020/21 provincial leg of the Safer Festive Season campaign on the 20 November 2020 at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni.
Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko said the operation will run throughout the festive season until the end of January 2021, under the national theme “Tight Grip”.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Patricia Rampota mentioned that though there are many partnerships in this operation, they need community assistance at the centre of it.
“The operational plan is looking at serious and violent crimes, gender-based and domestic violence, gangs, drugs and human trafficking, contraband and counterfeit goods, road safety, tracing and tracking of wanted as well as repeats offenders. Communities should be aware that there will be police visibility at identified hotspots areas during and beyond the festive holidays. Identified hotspots include places such as shopping centres, malls and entertainment places. There will be more roadblocks and shut-downs of illegal liquor outlets. We are appealing to the public to report violent crimes that instill public fear and undermine the authority of the state”, said Rampota.
