Nelspruit: The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed the efforts made in the fight against crime where more than 255 suspects were arrested for various offences throughout the province of Mpumalanga in the period of three days. The charges include amongst others, murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs where accidents occurred, possession of suspected stolen properties, contravention of the liquor Act, as well as contravention of immigration Act.

The actions carried out during the operation include stop and searches, vehicle check points, compliance inspections, visits to the local liquor outlets, patrols in-and-around the border ports, visibility in shopping / business areas as well as in public areas. These type of activities will intensify as Christmas and New Year draw near where roads are expected to swell with motorists that would be traveling to their various destinations.

The resilience of the joint effort by members of the security cluster continue to yield positive results as Safer Festive Season Operation is being rolled-out with the aim of ensuring safety for members of the community.

The Provincial Commissioner has also indicated that the successes that were achieved thus far implies that Mpumalanga is progressively moving forward in terms of safety, considering the high volume of visitors that are anticipated to the province during this time of the year. The public can be reassured that safety in public spaces will be maintained. More significantly, the successes attained will also assist to restore public confidence in the police, by ensuring that Mpumalanga residents and its visitors are and feel safe and secure.

Source: South African Police Service