Police Minister Bheki Cele inspects public spaces in Bellville. Picture: Supplied
CAPE TOWN - Police Minister Bheki Cele highlighted various measures to keep residents safe during the holiday season, as he inspected public spaces like taxi ranks, malls, clubs and beaches this week.
Cele made it clear during his inspection at the Bellville taxi rank that the tour was to tighten the grip on crime, especially crimes committed against women and children.
Cele said the inspection is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of safer festive season plans put in place to ensure residents and holidaymakers were and feel safe.
Social Justice Coalition (SJC) spokesperson Nomathemba Masemula said increased femicide and violence in the Western Cape forced a perspective that acknowledged that violence against women and children who have been exposed during the pandemic was deeper than the actual incidence reported.
"We need a perspective that looks into the root causes of violence rather than seeking quick-fix solutions to decrease the statistics," said Masemula.
Cele visited Covid-19 hot spots where tighter restrictions have been imposed, including tighter curfews. He urged motorists to adhere to Covid-19 regulations at a roadblock in Du Noon, Milnerton, where vehicles were stopped and searched for drugs, firearms and illicit goods while also checking if vehicles were roadworthy.
“Police will be out in full force this holiday season, to tighten the grip on the visible enemy which is crime. However, citizens are also urged to play their part in fighting the invisible enemy and not to drop their guard as Covid-19 is still with us," he said.
"I'm appealing to all citizens to keep safe this festive season, by avoiding super spreader events and large gatherings. Wear your mask at all times and remain vigilant at all times."
This after 18 people were arrested in Kraaifontein on Wednesday morning for breaking Covid-19 curfew regulations. This is despite continuous efforts by the Kraaifontein Community Development Forum (KCDF), which has actively hosted community engagement initiatives to inform, educate and encourage residents to adhere to Covid-19 regulations.
KCDF secretary Louis Botha said that while they were disappointed with the lack of adherence by residents, the forum would not be deterred and would continue encouraging them to adhere to Covid-19 safety regulations.
Kraaifontein councillor Simpiwe Nonkeziyana said that law enforcement officers should receive support with regards to monitoring adherence and increasing awareness about the importance of adhering to Covid-19 safety regulations in local communities.
"What I have noted is that residents do not relate to personalities and government officials they see on TV. For them those people live in a different world. We need people on the ground who are familiar with the community to constantly encourage and inform people to observe and adhere to regulations put in place for their own safety,” said Nonkeziyana.