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GEORGE NEWS - If you plan to enjoy a few drinks in the Garden Route this festive season, make sure you have a designated driver, because there will be zero mercy for anyone caught driving under the influence.
This was the clear warning from the Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, during the launch of the Safer Festive Season Campaign at Rosemoor Stadium on Tuesday 21 October.
Confident that law enforcement agencies in the Southern Cape are ready for the busy holiday period, Patekile said criminals would find no place to hide.
"I am proud of the level of preparation I have seen. Crime will not be tolerated in the Western Cape," he said.
"Our operations are intelligence-led, and we are determined to drive the criminals to jail."
The campaign, which kicked off earlier this month, focuses on keeping residents and visitors safe by tightening control at all major entry and exit routes. Officers will be on the lookout for illegal goods and drugs entering the province, while roadblocks, patrols and vehicle checkpoints will be stepped up across the region.
Operations will include inspections at licensed liquor outlets, the closure of illegal taverns and drug dens, blue-light patrols in crime hotspots, and increased visibility at shopping malls and beaches.
Patekile commended the southern Cape's municipalities for embracing new technology, including drones and surveillance cameras, to strengthen policing efforts. "I am pleased that our municipalities have come on board with technology that enhances our ability to respond quickly and prevent crime."
WATCH: Patekile on crime in the area over the festive season.
Members of the Public Order Policing Unit (Pop) gave an operational display of what a riot would look like for them. Photos: Kristy Kolberg
The commissioner also thanked neighbourhood watch members and community policing structures for their ongoing support.
Human trafficking, Patekile added, will be a key focus this festive season. He urged parents and teachers to help protect learners, particularly matriculants, as the exams continue. "We wish the matriculants the best of luck. We will be there to protect you to and from school."
He also had strong words for those trading in counterfeit goods or employing undocumented workers, saying counterfeit goods create unemployment and tax loss.
"If you are selling them, or employing undocumented people without work permits, you are committing an offence - and we are coming for you."
He ended his address by thanking all the officers and emergency services personnel who will be on duty over the holidays.
"When everyone else is resting and enjoying themselves, you are out there protecting them and keeping them safe. Please take our gratitude home to your families."
A parade saluting Lieutenant General Patekile at the closing of the event.
Garden Route District Police Commissioner Major General Phumzile Cetyana gave a word of thanks.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
