NELSPRUIT - As the Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga together with my Provincial management we would like to wish all members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga; all members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and all our stakeholders, a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year ahead.

It has not been easy dealing with hard core criminals who would not hesitate to take the life of a Police Officer. It has also not been easy for our members to witness their colleagues being attacked and brutally shot whilst in the line of duty. It has not been easy to lose our members in other ways such as sickness. It has not been easy for all of us, however we stood firm and continue to march forward and thus work harder in ensuring that the community of Mpumalanga is safe.

The sterling work and professionalism displayed by most of our members has been noticed by both the management and the community we serve.

I and the Provincial Management, extend our best wishes to the media houses in the province for the sterling job they have done throughout the year. Your hard work and dedication towards conveying our messages to our beautiful province has been noticed. You covered both good and bad news to all of us without fear or favour.

We furthermore wish all the people of Mpumalanga an enjoyable festive season.

As I wish you well, I also urge you to take the following safety tips as an advice for this festive season:

• Have your nearest SAPS station telephone number at hand;

• Never trust strangers; do not take gifts / food / drinks from strangers as they might be poisoned or spiked;

• Do not hitch-hike as it might also be dangerous;

• Do not purchase second hand goods from an unregistered retailer;

• Avoid walking alone in the evening or on secluded areas;

• Do not drink and drive;

• Avoid physical confrontations / fights;

• Be aware of scams / fraudulent activities;

• Do not leave your valuables unattended;

• Report any strange behaviour to the police.

We humbly request that our liquor outlets and taverns in our province comply with the Liquor Act. This will assist us with the challenge of alcohol related cases. Most sexual offences and murder cases reported to us are mainly taking place in the evening when people are walking from taverns going home. I want to warn all the tavern owners that we are not going to tolerate non-compliance as we will close them down should we find them not complying. Where necessary, we will bargain that their licences be revoked for good.

As we celebrate this festive season, let us be patriotic and responsible citizens. I want to see all the people of Mpumalanga back in complete piece in January. Let us not forget that, after this holidays, is a school calendar. We need to reserve some savings for the little ones who will be going to school in few weeks to come. Let us be wise and enjoy responsibly.

I wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023 ahead.

Source: South African Police Service