Ensuring a safer festive season

The authorities have called on the public to play their part in making the upcoming festive season a joyous and safe one for everyone.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said road traffic law enforcement officers, including law enforcement agencies, and other government departments will step up safety operations during this period to ensure that people are safe.  

Safety operations will include regular roadblocks, stop and searches and the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects.

Ntshavheni said the heightened police visibility was aimed at preventing, combating, and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday season and beyond.

“You can play your part to ensure a safer festive season by always obeying the rules of the road. Do not ever drive while under the influence of alcohol, and don’t text and drive.”

Parents and guardians are urged to remain hyper vigilant during the festive season period in the supervision of children, especially when at pools, beaches or near bodies of water.

“Children should never be left unattended at swimming pools or beaches and must be equipped with necessary safety equipment. Do not drink when children are in your care at swimming pools or beaches and ensure that swimming pools are properly secured when not in use to deny children access.

“South Africa has many beaches that are accessible to all citizens, limiting of access to beaches that are public property amounts to the restriction of the freedom of movement, a right which is protected under the Constitution,” the Minister said.

Citizens are encouraged to always be alert and aware when on holiday or during leisure moments.

“Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; instead use bankcards or electronic funds transfer to make transactions. Do not display large amounts of cash when making transactions because it can attract criminal elements.

Soweto Sunrise News