As millions of South Africans will be celebrating the new year this evening, Police National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has urged them to do it responsibly.
This as the police warned that they will ensure heightened visibility in the form of multi-disciplinary and integrated operations to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the country.
The police together with other law enforcement agencies is maintaining high visibility on the roads, public spaces such as parks and beaches, train stations, taxi ranks and malls through foot, vehicle, and air-support patrols.
The ushering in of the new year is always marked?? By a lot of celebrations characterised by heavy drinking and driving,
“While celebrating the ushering in of the new year, let us all be responsible in the way in which we celebrate.
Monitor your alcohol consumption and don’t drink and drive.
Heavily Intoxicated people often fall victim to various crimes such as being robbed, raped, assaulted often with no recollection of these incidents,” said Masemola.
He warned that would-be offenders will be arrested for breaking the law and will spend the new year in police holding cells until their next court appearance.
“Police will not tolerate lawlessness and will be out there in full force to always enforce the law.
Our police officers are out there tracing wanted suspects, searching for illegal and unwanted firearms and illicit goods,” explained Masemola.
The police said the operations will be conducted in the form of roadblocks, stop and searches, vehicle check points, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets among others.
Residents have also been cautioned to use fireworks responsibly and that no children should be allowed to handle them.
Meanwhile, Masemola will this evening together with the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela monitor New Year’s Eve celebrations in and around identified hotspots in Gauteng.
