To support ongoing efforts to reduce crime, more Public Order Policing teams are being stationed in Mthatha and KwaZulu-Natal.
In an important step to improve law enforcement in the Eastern Cape’s Mthatha and KwaZulu-Natal, more Public Order Policing (POP) units are being sent to support the region’s already-existing crime-fighting initiatives.
During a send-off procession in Harrismith, when General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), spoke to over 700 POP officers, this program was highlighted.
Keeping Up a Safe and Secure Settlement for the Coming Elections
In light of the approaching elections, General Masemola emphasized the significance of preserving a safe and secure environment. He gave the officers the responsibility of stopping and opposing illegal activity while guaranteeing that South Africans may peacefully exercise their right to vote.
“You are being dispatched to uphold law and order. Nothing illegal or disruptive should happen while you’re watching. General Masemola stated, “We are sending you out there to defend the integrity of the electoral process and South Africans’ fundamental rights.
The Purpose of the Police Presence in Certain Areas
The deployment’s goal is to increase the effectiveness of the law enforcement presence that is currently in these areas. This is a reaction to the current unrest in Mthatha, where obstacles have been a major problem.
In response to these issues, police forces have been fully mobilized, according to General Masemola, and five people have been arrested for attempting to obstruct routes that lead to Mthatha Airport.
A participant in the send-off march was Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Co-Chair of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS). She emphasized the significance of legitimate conduct during these operations and asked the officers to carry out their responsibilities within the bounds of the law.
Tense Situation in the Eastern Cape of Mathatha
According to earlier reports, there was tension in Mthatha, which resulted in the closure of multiple highways. Five individuals were taken into custody at around 9:00 after shots were fired at POP and Mthatha Vispol members during an incident.
Two weapons were seized, and two suspects were hurt. Cases involving attempted murder and unlawful gun ownership have been opened by the authorities for additional investigation.
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Premier Oscar Mabuyane of the Eastern Cape reportedly told Jacaranda FM on Monday afternoon that he had asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to dispatch the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Mthatha in order to help keep the peace and restore order.
Furthermore, a strong warning was issued by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene regarding the dissemination of words and movies that incite unrest.
Such acts are against the law in addition to being reckless. Anyone discovered to be involved in activities endangering the public’s safety and security as well as the integrity of the electoral process would face severe consequences, the speaker declared.
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