This is according to the mastermind behind this crime-busting programme, the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, after the Overall Friday Programme conducted in and around eMalahleni this past Friday.
During the operation, more than 20 people were arrested for failing to be at their places of residence, in line with Covid-19 curfew regulations. One person was arrested for being in possession of a vehicle that had reportedly been stolen in eMbalenhle, Secunda.
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The police also brought to book seven more suspects in the area who were wanted in connection with cases of assault with intention to do grievous bodily harm. Other suspects were caught for offences that include housebreaking and theft, driving under the influence of alcohol and carjacking. About nine liquor premises and three filling stations were also visited during the operation.
Shongwe welcomed these successes and appealed to the police to spare no effort in making eMalahleni a crime-free area. He further emphasised that government’s efforts to eradicate crime will bear fruits if the police do their work with integrity and show no leniency towards perpetrators of crime. “Our police must not show any leniency towards criminals. The rogue elements must be mercilessly pursued, and no stone should be left unturned,” he remarked.
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“The police must respect themselves and do their work with utmost integrity in order to win the respect of communities. It cannot be accepted that law enforcement officers are constantly accused by communities for failure to do their work properly,” continued Shongwe. The Overall Friday Programme is implemented from Friday to Sunday in identified areas as part of promoting law enforcement visibility and fighting crime through a multidisciplinary approach.
