By Obakeng Maje
North West-It is yet another time of the year whereby various religious congregations come together to pray and reflect on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even those that will not be attending churches, this is the time for family gatherings after Christmas holidays.

The South African Police Service in the North West province have an obligation of ensuring a secure environment for anybody who travels and stays within the boundaries of the North West province during this period of the year. 

“The police won’t be going on holiday this Easter weekend; they will be on duty to ensure safety and security of the inhabitants of the Republic. The police are ready to protect the citizens as charged by the Constitution of the Republic, and this can only be realised through active participation and cooperation between the police and the community” brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

Safety and security remains a shared responsibility.

“We want to reiterate our commitment of protecting the community by making sure that we confiscate illegal firearms and shut down illegal taverns. This year will not be different from any other year regarding deployment of our members on crime prevention operations in identified hot spot areas in an around the North West Province, including roadblocks with Provincial Traffic Department and Municipal Metro police agencies and other relevant partners and stakeholders” Ngubane said.

He said they are doing this to maintain law and order, curb lawlessness on the streets, homes and to ensure that our roads are safe to enable users to arrive alive at their different destinations.

“We want to urge the residents to cooperate with law enforcement officials especially at roadblocks and during stop and search operations. This is very critical as most stolen goods, drugs, stock travel by road to different areas.”

In order to have crime free Easter holidays the police further urge the community to take precautionary measures by taking heed on the following safety tips:

*           Do not drink and drive

*           Pedestrians should not drink and walk on or along the road

*           If you know that you will be away for a longer period, do not leave your house unattended. Do not show to other people, neighbours and friends that you are leaving as some may take advantage during your absence. 

*           To avoid hijackings, know your destination and the directions to it and be alert if you get lost.

*           Never leave your car keys in the ignition when climbing out of the car to open gates.

*           If you are waiting to be collected by someone do not wait outside the building, always try to wait inside it, to avoid being mugged, 

*           If possible, avoid walking alone. Your best defence is having other people nearby.

*           If you walk alone especially at night, plan your route carefully and try to walk on streets that are well lit.

*           Do not leave valuable items inside your car unattended

*           Avoid hitch-hiking as this could lead to rape and murders.

*       Drink responsibly and avoid, drinking and driving, rapes, assaults and murders, irresponsible drinking has been proven to the source of these crimes

To the families of the SAPS members who will be sacrificing their time by working during holidays, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for allowing your husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers to be part of SAPS family that will be working throughout these holidays.

Let us go out there and do our jobs, to keep our communities safe during this Easter weekend, says Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_