The Minister of Police Mr Nathi Mthethwa, the national police commissioner General Riah Phiyega, deputy commissioner of police Lieutenant-General Khehla Sithole and Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arno Lamoer arrived at Outeniqua Park, George in a large convoy of police vehicles where the ceremony took place.
This initiative, which commenced on 15 October, is one of the police's efforts to ensure that the people in South Africa are and feel safe, particularly over the December holiday period when citizens and visitors are relaxing. The operations will end on 31 January.
Operations will primarily focus on certain crime trends, including aggravated robberies, crimes against women, children and people with disabilities, illegal firearms and the enforcement of the liquor and second-hand goods act, border security, municipal by-laws and road safety.
"The aim of this operation is, amongst others, to raise awareness amongst the people about the normal rise in petty crime during this time of the year. We are also intensifying partnership with society in the fight against crime as well as intensifying police visibility during the period. This year in particular, we shall be having a concerted focus at crimes against women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly," said Mthethwa.
General Phiyega reiterated that the police will continue to arrest those who commit crime and that a greater and growing awareness among parents/guardians to look after and protect children, must be intensified within society.
"It is an unfortunate reality that, during this time when most people are relaxing and celebrating the end of the working year, there is an attendant increase in certain crime trends."
She added that they started to see an increase in armed robberies in shopping centres and spaza shops early in October, as well as more frequent attempts at cash in transit heists.
She also encouraged members of the police to work hard in reducing crime in the coming festive season.
Dedicated policemen and women who have loyally performed their duties over 10, 20 and 30 years also received medals from Mthethwa during the ceremony.
The police concluded the day with demonstrations from various units within the police, such as the Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Public Order Policing (Pop) and the Outeniqua K-9 unit - much to the delighted of residents from all over the Southern Cape who attended the event.
View more photos here.
Daddy's boy! Warrant Officer Kallie Heyns from the Outeniqua K9 unit rewarding his border collie, Oscar, after their demonstration. Oscar is a biological bodily fluid detection dog.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route | Klein-Karoo news'
