Minister of Police Bheki Cele said the SAPS Festive Season Operational Plan is bearing fruit, as more than 75 000 suspects have been arrested in the country since 15 October, for various offences.
The offences include 560 for murder, 604 attempted murder, 470 rape, 6 700 assault GBH, 4 998 common assault, 408 business robberies, 561 possessions of firearms and ammunition.
Cele said this has been made possible by the oversight visits as well as the effectiveness of policing interventions in various provinces to keep communities safer, through the Plan.
“We have said that all hands are on deck as the police, to protect citizens and their properties through the SAPS Festive Season Operational Plan.
“.The operational plan which was launched on 15 October is being tailored according to provincial crime patterns.
“As the Ministry and SAPS management, we are convinced the Operational Plan this festive season is effective and should be maintained for safer holidays,” said Cele who was giving an update of festive season policing operations in Durban.
The minister said while it is appreciated that the festive season is a time for enjoyment and festivities, it remains alarming that some motorists still choose to drink and drive.
He vowed that the police would act hard on the abuse of liquor, which he said remains a core driver of crime, especially contact crimes.
“Police have arrested 4 488 drunk drivers since the 15th of October.
“Since the start of December 2 500 people have been arrested for public drinking, 850 people for being drunk and disorderly in a public place, 6 410 fines issued for non-compliance.
“Just in the first 22 days of December, police have arrested 17 844 suspects for illegally trading in liquor,” highlighted Cele.
He warned non-compliant liquor traders that their establishment will be shut down, liquor confiscated, and they will be arrested.
The minister highlighted that the new 10 000 police recruits are proving to be a valuable addition in the safer festive season operational plan.
According to Cele, the new recruits have increased the footprint of the SAPS.
“For ten days they have been deployed to maintain high visibility especially in areas of business, leisure and around transport hubs across identified areas.
In our interactions with shoppers, holidaymakers and motorists and commuters through the safer festive season roadshow, the high police visibility has been highly welcomed,” explained Cele.
