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March 28, 2024As South Africans prepare to embark on travels and festivities during the upcoming Easter weekend, the government has unveiled heightened security measures to ensure public safety across the country. This comprehensive approach aims to prevent crime, maintain law and order, and facilitate smooth mobility during the holiday period.
“There will be heightened police visibility across the country aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday period and beyond,” stated Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a media briefing on Thursday.
With anticipated increases in traffic volumes as many citizens visit family and friends, Ntshavheni appealed to all road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic rules, and respect fellow motorists. Law enforcement agencies have adopted a zero-tolerance stance against reckless driving, negligence, and excessive speeding.
The minister also reminded parents and caregivers to remain vigilant in supervising their children, especially near water bodies and swimming pools, and to entrust their care only to responsible adults during the holiday period.
Extending beyond traditional policing, the government has also bolstered border security measures through the efforts of the Border Management Authority (BMA). The BMA will increase security controls, extend operating hours at critical ports of entry, and deploy an additional 400 border guards to manage the expected surge in cross-border travellers.
This comprehensive Easter operational plan involves the collaboration of various agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA).
As the BMA marks its first anniversary on April 1, 2024, the government applauded its efforts in intercepting over 270,000 individuals attempting illegal entry into South Africa, thereby curbing illegal migration, human smuggling, trafficking, and cross-border crime.
With these multifaceted security measures in place, the government aims to foster a safe and enjoyable Easter weekend for all citizens while maintaining vigilance against potential threats to public safety and national security.“Therefore, adoption of this resolution is a critical step to also enable the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza area,” she said.