Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
17 December 2023 | 20:00 CAT

Joburg on ‘high alert’ for the festive season – Image: BusinessTech

City of Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Mgcini Tshwaku, has urged residents, visitors and businesses to be alert as the festive season starts. This is normally when criminals take advantage of what they view as easy targets, such as individuals and companies lowering their guard. Schools have already closed, and thousands are expected to visit Johannesburg over the festive season.

MMC Tshwaku said the onus of keeping safe, alert and always acting responsibly over the festive season and beyond remains the responsibility of all residents, businesses and visitors to the City.

“I cannot underscore the importance of this, whether you are on your premises, out shopping, at home, on the road or outdoors,” he said.

To put visitors at ease, Tshwaku said there is already a heightened sense of awareness and greater police visibility in and around shopping malls, on the roads, in parks, and in crime hotspots.

“Earlier in the month, we launched the Safer Festive Season Campaign, a joint multifaceted approach by JMPD, EMS, Disaster Management, Tactical Response Unit, SAPS and private security agencies to respond quickly and effectively to any criminal activity, violence, recklessness, drunken driving, bylaw transgressions, fires, water related incidents and road infringements including setting up roadblocks on main and arterial routes,” he explained.

The Joburg MMC cautioned against the carrying of large amounts of cash, drinking and driving, unruly behaviour and the use of drugs and weapons, stressing that the festive season aims to be on holiday, not in jail or the morgue.

“The caution is really to say, during this time do not become reckless and unruly by virtue of the fact that you’ve got money to spend on liquor, which is a very dangerous combination while driving,” said the City of Johannesburg’s, Virgil James.

Listen to the full interview on the Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.