Remarks by the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, on the purpose of the Ministerial Safer Festive Season Operations visit in Cape Town, Belhar

Cape Town

The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu
The Deputy Ministers of Police, Ms Polly Boshielo and Mr Cassel Mathale
The MEC of Police Oversight and Community safety, Ms Anroux Marais
The Deputy National Commissioner Policing, Lieutenant General Mosikili
The Deputy National Commissioner Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Sibiya
The Provincial Commissioner of Western Cape, Lt Gen Patekile
CPF Board Chairperson, Ms Fransinah Lucas
All senior managers
Members of the SAPS and all stakeholders

A very good morning to you all.

It is quite encouraging to see you all operationally ready to serve and protect the people of this province this busy festive period.

Minister I must commend, police officers across the country that are hard at work in stamping the authority of the State.

Most of our members did not take leave to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa – and that demonstrates the commitment and dedication of our men and women in blue and for that Minister, I thank our police officers throughout all corners of this country for honouring their oath of office.

Through roadblocks, tracking and tracing operations as well as stop and searches – our police officers are leaving nothing to chance.

Ladies and gentlemen, part of the reason that we are here this morning is also to assess the effectiveness of the Western Cape’s Safer Festive Operations.

Minister, I am happy to announce that we have just given Western Cape the largest share of the 2699 police officers that were deployed to various stations and units last week.

Minister, Western Cape received 940 newly trained police Constable’s that are already deployed to prevent and combat serious and violent crime on the ground.

These additional boots will go a long way in dealing decisively with criminals in all forms and shape, especially those involved in the murders of young people, women and children as well as vulnerable groups along the cape flats.

It however remains a concern that innocent children are often caught in the cross fire when gangs fight amongst themselves.

And this is why WC remains a top priority when it comes to capacitation and resource allocation.

I’m told by the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Patekile that in the last three weeks, 36 gangsters were arrested with 868 firearms seized in this province from August to date, with more than 26 000 rounds of ammunition also seized. This is quite encouraging.

I implore on each of you officers standing here on parade to seize more firearms and ammunition as well as drugs this festive season – together we can and we will do more.

Let’s work together to make South Africa safe. With this said, let me encourage each one of you to stay safe, always ensure you are operationally ready by ensuring the following:

• Always wear your bullet proof vest.
• Wear your retention cord and always ensure your firearm is in a proper working condition.
• Make use of your pepper spray and hand cuffs.
• And lastly, always ensure that you are mentally and physically fit.

Let’s stay safe this festive season!

I THANK YOU