Cele calls for action against criminals during festive season

Police Minister General Bheki Cele has issued a call to law enforcement to heighten their efforts in combatting criminal activities throughout the approaching holiday season.

The Minister made this appeal during the launch of the National Safer Festive Season operations, emphasizing the rights of South Africans and visitors to enjoy a safe and crime-free festive season.

ALSO READ: Police: More boots on the ground this festive season

He urged a robust crackdown on criminals, underlining the need to make criminals face serious consequences for their actions.

ALSO READ: Most expensive SA cities to live in

POLICE MINISTER ISSUED A STERN WARNING TO CRIMINALS

Cele issued a stern warning to wrongdoers, affirming that the police force would not hesitate to act decisively against them.

ALSO READ: Rate your Police Station service

“There are criminals who want to co-govern with the people that are elected. You are not going to move around breaking into people’s houses, robbing people, raping people, going for cash heists, bank robberies and you believe that we won’t do anything.

“I’m calling on those police officers who are given the responsibility to deal with those heartless criminals – that think they run the world and the country – don’t be kind to them. Hit and hit hard. Criminals have declared war against communities and society. I’m making a call to those police to protect the communities,” he said.

ALSO READ: SAPS Commissioner wishes success to police officers at Cape Town Marathon

WHAT DID CELE ASK THE COMMUNITIES TO DO?

Cele also appealed to communities to collaborate with the police in efforts to root out criminal behavior, cautioning against harboring wrongdoers as they could ultimately turn against those providing protection.

“Don’t hide those criminals among yourselves because they will hurt you. As you protect that criminal, tomorrow he’s coming back for you,” he said.

ALSO READ: Five suspects who attacked police officers are arrested

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of law enforcement conducting their duties within the boundaries of the law.

Notably, the festive season operations have already achieved success, with Western Cape police confiscating counterfeit goods valued at R75 million and seizing R200,000 in cash at a shopping center in Cape Town. This serves as an early victory in the mission to ensure a safer holiday season.