Nelson Mandela Bay police were out in force at the weekend as the Eastern Cape top brass launched festive season operations on the city’s streets on Saturday night.
Members from various stations and units across the metro as well as traffic officials came together to conduct roadblocks along major routes, and raids at suspected crime and drug hotspots.
Provincial commissioner Major-General Nomthetheleli Mene, accompanied by Bay district commissioner Major-General Vuyisile Ncata and other high-ranking officials, led the operations, conducting vehicle inspections shoulder to shoulder with uniformed officers and detectives.
“It is important for us to go out in force to show our communities we are here and working throughout the festive season,” Mene said as she addressed the units gathered at the 10111 call centre in Gqeberha before the operation started.
“We need to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy their holidays, but that they do it safely.
“We as the police do not have time to party right now. We can party after the festive season.
“For now, community safety is our priority.”
In light of the latest quarterly crime statistics released last week, Mene commended the Bay police as the figures indicated a decrease in 14 of the 17 major crimes listed — including violent contact crimes.
She said the Eastern Cape as a whole had recorded a decrease in 12 of the 17 categories.
Despite these positive results, police stations across the Bay still made the national top 30 list for the most violent precincts, and Mene conceded that much work had to be done.
“We know what the picture looks like and we will get a proper breakdown of the Bay soon, but we cannot focus on just some areas.
“The entire metro will be a focal point.”
Mene repeatedly urged members to be careful in the line of duty, as well as off duty.
“When you conduct operations and you enter dangerous locations, be sure everyone comes out again.
“Watch each other’s backs,” she said.
“There are elements in our community that want your firearms, and we need to ensure that our weapons do not fall into the wrong hands.”
Responding to questions about recent reports on shortcomings and delays at the Bay’s 10111 centre, Mene said the police’s national head office was aware of the situation and that a countrywide project was under way to improve all police call centres.
After a short parade and prayer, police members were divided into teams and dispatched to different locations where vehicle check points and raids were carried out.
Mene and Ncata led operations in Gqeberha’s northern areas, starting with a roadblock on Stanford Road where dozens of vehicles were stopped for inspection.
The operation was met with mixed reactions from motorists, some who were happy to interact with the police and traffic officials, while others seemed nervous and impatient due to the backed up traffic.
Police members also conducted compliance inspections of firearms, asking owners for their licences, and ensuring they adhered to the Firearms Control Act.
Afterwards, with the assistance of tactical response teams and the Bay’s anti-gang unit, suspected drug dens and taverns in Gelvandale, Helenvale, Bethelsdorp and surrounds were raided and inspected.
“Since the start of our festive season operations, it has been my experience that most people are impressed when they see the police out in force, conducting operations like this,” Mene said.
“So we will continue to show that we are committed to keeping the public safe.”
HeraldLIVE
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