'Celebrate the new year responsibly' - urge Police Commissioner

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National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola has encouraged all people within the borders of South Africa to celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly.

'Celebrate the new year responsibly' - urge Police Commissioner — National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has urged citizens to celebrate the new year responsibly. **Image:** *X/SAPS*

As is per norm, police will ensure heightened visibility in the form of multidisciplinary and integrated operations to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the country.

According to Masemola, the police together with other law enforcement agencies will maintaining high visibility on our roads, public spaces such as parks and beaches, train stations, taxi ranks and malls through foot, vehicle and air-support patrols.

This will also include roadblocks, stop and searches, vehicle check points, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second hand good dealers, gun shops as well as those selling fireworks.

He further said, caution is advised with the use of fireworks and communities are encouraged to use fireworks responsibly and that no children should be allowed to handle them.

GCK We9WkAAvjO8 — law enforcement agencies will maintaining high visibility on our roads, public spaces such as parks and beaches, train stations, taxi ranks and malls. **Image:** *X/SAPS*

“The ushering in of the new year sees a lot of celebrations and it is on this note that we urge everyone to avoid drinking and driving, as well as being extra vigilant of their surroundings.

“While celebrating the ushering in of the new year, let us all be responsible in the way in which we celebrate. Monitor your alcohol consumption and don’t drink and drive.

“Heavily Intoxicated people often fall victim to various crimes such as being robbed, raped, assaulted often with no recollection of these incidents. It is thus important to be responsible.

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“If anyone is found on the wrong side of the law and arrested today for any crime, they will spend the new year in police holding cells up until they appear in court and are granted bail,” he stated.

The commissioner added that police will not tolerate lawlessness and will be out there in full force to enforce the law at all times.

“Our police officers are out there tracing wanted suspects, searching for illegal and unwanted firearms and illicit goods,” warned General Fannie Masemola.