Following the recent community outreach programme on crime in Dludluma, the MEC for community safety and security, Jackie Macie, took his Operation Overall Friday to Nkomazi on Friday July 19.
Operation Overall Friday is an initiative by the department spearheaded by Macie and some officials of various departments or organisations in the justice, crime prevention and security cluster in a bid to fight crime in identified areas.
The operation was conducted by SAPS members from different units, members of the SANDF, officials of the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration), officials of the Department of Correctional Services, traffic law enforcement officers of both the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison and the Nkomazi Local Municipality, and officials of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. The joint operation started with the monitoring of the borderline.
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Macie and members of the SANDF flew over Komatipoort and Mbuzini, as the province shares a border with Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini. He proceeded to join a roadblock on the R571 in Naas, where 45 fines were issued to motorists for various violations.
Six vehicles with defects were also issued notices to discontinue. The team went on to do patrols and stop-and-searches, visited banks, malls, filling stations, taxi ranks, shops and taverns, and monitored ATMs.
Two taverns were temporarily closed for non-compliance with their licences, and eight people were issued fines for public drinking. In addition, eight undocumented foreigners were arrested by home affairs officials. During the operation, some wanted suspects were traced and several parolees were visited.
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Macie said he was content with the level of commitment by all the stakeholders, saying these kinds of operations will go a long way towards reducing crime.
He applauded the team for their good work and said he appreciated the support they gave one another during the operation. “It is vivid that when we collaborate and bring resources together, we make a huge impact in our communities.
The fight against crime is not a one man’s business. We need to work together and support one another to bring the scourge to an end,” he said.
