Minister of Police, Bheki Cele says police have observed a pattern that most of crime activity happens between Thursday and Monday and promised to clamp down on criminals.
The Minister was speaking at Soweto on Saturday during another launch of operation Shanela which was introduced in May this year. Police said the operation aims to increase police visibility as the force intensifies efforts to combat crime in the country. Cele said most crimes are committed between Thursday and Monday saying police will be heightening patrols during these days.
“When Thursday comes, which is a crime period in South Africa. Crime in South Africa happens between Thursday and Monday morning because people believe that it is the time for their entertainment and it is the time for them to do as they wish. It is a time for them to get drunk and drink alcohol and then they rape and kill people,” said Cele.
“Therefore we are on the streets. We are reclaiming the streets. We are saturating the streets and we want to be there as you sleep and as the night falls. We all rise and we will be the protect and serve,” said Cele
South Africa is rated as one of the most violent countries in the world with murder rate increasing by 206 cases and stands at 6,289 cases in the fourth quarter.
The Minister of Police said law enforcement agencies need to work together to clamp down on criminals.
“Point two, Is to work with all law enforcement together and make sure that we are driven in one direction especially by the crime intelligence and other intelligence in the country,” said Cele.
The police Minister said from between Friday and Saturday the police managed to arrest 1300 criminals that they have been “hunting for murder, for rape, for car hijacking and for house breaking.”
