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By Sameer Naik, Karishma Dipa 
1 hour ago
The police have been told to be decisive in protecting and defending citizens.
Police Minister Bheki Cele addressed members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Kempton Park yesterday as part of the Safest Holiday Season Inspection Tour. Cele visited various parts of Ekurhuleni, including New Tembisa Mall in Ivory Park, a taxi rank on Pretoria Road in Kempton Park, as well as a roadblock on the N12 East.
The police minister did not rule out the use of force in the implementation of the law.
“Do not allow the people of South Africa to be humiliated, threatened, killed by criminals,” Cele told police officers.
He also reminded officers that they can use force when protecting communities and themselves in danger.
“It is not our duty to tell people to stay safe, it is our duty to make them feel safe.”
“The fact of the matter at the moment is that people do not feel safe, particularly in the Ekurhuleni area.”
“There are many people who are disrespecting and breaking the law with their shebeens and making noise until the wee hours of the morning. We cannot allow people to ignore the law and disrupt the neighborhood. “
Cele said police will also not hesitate to shut down illegal operations during the holiday season.
“These regulations are very clear, it is necessary to close at 10 pm and at 11 pm people must be at home. We call on everyone to be a part of South Africa and respect the rules and regulations. “
“We are going to deal with shebeens that are illegal, there will be no negotiations; we will close them. Shebeens that are supposed to be legal, but break the law, will also be shut down immediately, ”Cele said.
She added: “We want to create an environment on the streets where people feel safe, especially women and children. Women should be able to walk at any time of the day and feel safe without fear of being abused or raped by foolish men ”.
Cele also warned people to cancel their Christmas and New Year’s party plans, saying that law enforcement will clamp down on violations of lockdown regulations.
He called on police officers to step up their efforts to ensure that illegal gatherings and parties are closed.
“Their job description, mandated by the land constitution, is to prevent, combat, investigate, defend the law and ensure that the inhabitants are safe. Nowhere does it say that you take bribes, ”he said.
“It is your job to protect and prevent. You have to remember that, as a police officer, your job is to preserve human life and that you do it with passion and empathy. “
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Traffic Police have urged those who will use the province’s roads this holiday season to do so safely and responsibly.
This includes normal motorists, those operating on public transport, and even bicyclists and pedestrians.
“We call on drivers to be cautious and vigilant on Gauteng roads as traffic volumes are expected to increase over the weekend of this holiday season,” said the spokesman for the Gauteng Traffic Police. Gauteng, Maremane Seal.
“Law enforcement authorities have noted that many accidents occur as a result of non-compliance with the rules of the road and we would like to urge motorists to obey the rules of the road and keep the Gauteng city region safe.
He explained that as dozens of Gauteng residents leave the province during the holidays to travel to other destinations in the country, there will inevitably be congestion on many routes.
He said those expected to be overdue this weekend include the N1 Pretoria to Polokwane, the N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga, the N4 Pretoria to Rustenburg, the N3 from Johannesburg to Durban, the R59 from Johannesburg to Sasolburg and the N17 from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga.
Others include the N12 from Johannesburg to Emalahleni, the N12 from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom, the R21 from Johannesburg to Pretoria and the R28 Krugersdorp to Pretoria.
The Gauteng Traffic Police have also reminded road users to comply with all Covid-19 protocols, as the country is currently in the grip of its second wave of coronavirus infections.
“Road users are urged to wear masks, practice social distancing and disinfect,” Maremane said.
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