“Drink responsibly,” police warn as they gear up to fight crime on New Year ’s Eve.
“Women should avoid walking alone especially late at night and children must not be left unattended during celebrations, especially along rivers and dams to avoid incidents of drowning, kidnapping, rape, sexual assaults and murder.”
South African police services, Metro police departments and Gauteng provincial traffic offers have been deployed to various events in the provinceALSO READ: New Year’s Eve checklist to make your get-together a success to minimize criminal activities and incidents of violence during celebrations.
Most crimes that occurred during the festive season were caused by irresponsible consumption of liquor and could see people spending the first days of the New Year behind bars unnecessarily, said police spokesperson Colonel Lungelo Dlamini.
“Cases of road rage, domestic violence, child neglect and malicious damage to property are due to alcohol abuse.”
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Operations will be beefed up in areas like Hillbrow, Johannesburg Central, Sunnyside, Pretoria Central, Wild Waters in Boksburg and Moretele Park in Mamelodi.
More undercover police officers will also be deployed to identify people involved with illegal activities such as illegal trading of liquor and dealing in drugs, said Dlamini.
People visiting places of entertainment should not accept drinks from strangers as they might have been spiked or laced, said Dlamini.
“Women should avoid walking alone especially late at night and children must not be left unattended during celebrations, especially along rivers and dams to avoid incidents of drowning, kidnapping, rape, sexual assaults and murder.”
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People who will be welcoming the New Year at their homes are urged to take precautions such as making sure their gates, doors and vehicles are securely locked.
“Municipal bylaws on illegal street closures, irresponsible use of fire crackers, unruly parties and illegal car racing will be strictly enforced.”
“Police will take strong action against any acts of violence associated with New Year’s celebrations,” Dlamini said.
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