As KwaZulu-Natal gears up for the bustling festive season, the province’s top cop has delivered a stark, no-nonsense message to potential lawbreakers: police will be enforcing the law, not negotiating. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has launched the province’s Integrated Safer Festive Season Operations plan, outlining a comprehensive strategy to protect residents and the estimated 2 million visitors expected to pour into the province.
The plan, which is already underway, identifies ten key focus areas, from gender-based violence and kidnappings to road safety and the security of major events.
A Stern Warning to Matriculants and Parents
A significant part of the police’s pre-holiday focus is on the thousands of matriculants who will finish their exams soon. General Mkhwanazi issued a direct warning to scholars, anticipating the “pens down and explosion parties” that often lead to underage drinking, drug use, and tragedy.
“We are issuing a stern warning to grade 12 learners… that your focus should be on what lies ahead at institutions of higher learning, not dangerous parties that might end with undesirable results,” he stated.
He made a parallel appeal to parents, urging them to “adopt active parenthood” and discourage their children from risky behavior. His message was unequivocal: “You do not want your child to be in conflict with the law because police will be out to enforce the law, not to negotiate with lawbreakers.”
Cracking Down on Economic Crimes
The safety plan also targets crimes that see a sharp increase during the festive period. Mkhwanazi highlighted two in particular:
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Stokvel Robberies: He strongly advised against sharing hard cash from stokvel savings, warning that members sometimes collude with criminals. “Your savings of the entire year will be robbed within seconds,” he said, urging electronic transfers instead.
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Stock Theft: Describing it as “economic sabotage,” Mkhwanazi vowed unannounced inspections at butcheries and abattoirs. He warned that police would seize meat at any ceremony if the host could not provide proof of purchase.
Protecting a R13 Billion Economic Lifeline
The massive security operation is crucial for the province’s economy. Premier Thami Ntuli, who also spoke at the launch, revealed that KZN is expecting over 2 million visitors, with an anticipated R13 billion in economic activity.
“Tourism remains the cornerstone of KZN economy,” Ntuli said, emphasizing that this growth can only be sustained in a safe environment. “The safety of our visitors, and indeed of our communities, is the single most important enabler of festive economic activity.”
To achieve this, more than 24,000 officials from various law enforcement and emergency agencies have been deployed across the province. The goal is greater visibility, quicker response times, and a unified front against the seasonal spike in crime, ensuring that the festive spirit isn’t shattered by lawlessness.
{Source: TimesLive}
