By Nhlakanipho Mnqayi
Dubbed as the period that needs special attention, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier, Thami Ntuli and KZN Provincial Commissioner, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi officially launched the Provincial Integrated Safety Month and Festive Season Plan at the Amphitheatre Gardens in North Beach, Durban today.
The launch of this plan is to ensure that law enforcement officers are strategically deployed in all identified crime hotspots throughout KZN, ensuring a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity.
Addressing the media, Ntuli said the launch of this plan is not a ceremonial event, but a call to collective action.
“It is a reminder that safety and prosperity are two sides of the same coin. We cannot build a thriving tourism sector, or sustain inclusive economic growth without ensuring that our communities, our visitors, and our roads are safe. As government we are strengthening our coordination between law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and community structures to ensure greater visibility, quicker response times, and stronger prevention efforts,” said Ntuli.
Ntuli further said that the festive season brings not only the promise of economic activity and social celebration but also heightened risks that demand vigilance as there are 24 515 police of men and women that have been deployed across KZN.
“These brave men and women will be stationed at the ports of entry, along our roads, in our beaches, shopping centres, events, and communities, working tirelessly to safeguard lives and sustain the festive sprint that defines KwaZulu-Natal,” he added.
The 24 515 of police includes 17 528 South African Police Service (SAPS) members, 2 000 Metro Police officers, 693 Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers, 1 912 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials, 134 SARS customs officers, and 1 167 Community Safety Volunteers – supported by other safety and defence personnel.
