Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe led an Overall Friday Programme on Friday February 16 and around Elukwatini.
The MEC was accompanied by SAPS Provincial Commissioner, General Semakaleng Mamaela.
The high density operation saw a number of stakeholders such as the departments of Justice, Correctional Services and Home Affairs, CPFs, Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) and Chief Albert Luthuli local Municipality coming together to make a statement in the fight against crime.
Speaking during the briefing at Elukwatini Police Station, the MEC called on the security cluster members to protect each other if they wanted to win the war against crime.
He mentioned that they should address any shortcomings in good faith.
Shongwe insisted that lambasting each other publicly was undermining the good work that the cluster is expected to do in order to protect communities.
The MEC also bemoaned lack of compliance by some liquor traders who did not make provisions for parking space and other facilities for their patrons. He called on MER and the police to always act decisively on transgressors.
The briefing also heard that Elukwatini Police Station was among the top 30 priority stations in terms of contributing to crime. It is also among the top 5 priority stations in Gert Sibande district Municipality.
The priority crimes in the area include assault with intention to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), burglary at residential, and proliferation of drugs to mention but a few.
Several taverns were raided to ensure compliance. The visibility of the law enforcement officers has seen many taverns that did not comply with their licenses being closed.
Other issues that seemingly contributed to crime in the area is the increase in number of taverns and influx of foreign nationals who allegedly keep their money in their businesses in the area.
The selling of counterfeit alcohol and expired food to residents also came under the spotlight. The police were ordered to continue acting on those who are responsible.
The Overall Friday Campaign is an initiative by the department that involves security cluster members in dealing with crime in identified problematic areas.
