11 December 2003

Press statement by Executive Mayor Sindisile Maclean in conjunction with the security forces and traffic and disaster management officials on plans for a peaceful law enforcement 2003 festive season.

My office has co-ordinated this press conference because we believe our people need to be assured and comforted that we will all jointly endeavour to ensure their democratic right to a safe and secure festive season.

I am consciously not going to use the word zero tolerance because I believe it has become a tired phrase which criminals do not take seriously.

Our people on the other hand, believe zero tolerance refers mainly to safety and security officials operations.

I want to emphatically state here today that crime is everybody's business and if we leave it to the police alone, we will never win back our rights for us and our loved ones to be safe and secure in our homes, out on the streets and in places of leisure.

It is in this light that I want to appeal to all law abiding citizens to report any crime, not to deal in any stolen goods and to take extra care in everything you do. Dial 10111 or the Crime Stop Number for action.

I have been assured here today that the South African Police Services in association with Buffalo City Traffic and the commando units of East London, Gately and Amatola have a joint operational plan for the festive season.

The plan is divided into two phases: the first phase from 12 December to 30 December which covers the period when schools and factories close and the City is busy with Christmas shopping. The City will also be full of holidaymakers.

The second phase is the Christmas to New Year's Day when the traditional exodus to the beaches take place. It includes the closure of certain roads, which will be strictly enforced.

The South African Police Services will be out in full force, on foot and in vehicles to address crime, especially in hot spots. There will also be joint operations with all forces in the whole of East London/Komga/Bisho/King William's Town/Sutterheim/Kei Mouth area.

On the traffic patrol side, people who are reckless and irresponsible can expect no mercy.

Emphasis will be on:

• Exceeding the speed limit.
• Drunken driving
• Drinking (alcohol) in a public place.
• Drunkenness (pedestrians under the influence of alcohol)
• Unroadworthy vehicles.

Drunken driving arrests
1-31 October 2003: 107
1-30 November 2003: 156
Stray animals impounded
1-31 October 2003: 148
1-30 November 2003: 107

LAW ENFORCEMENT STATISTICS IN RESPECT OF OPERATION JUGGEMENT
9 November 2003 - 3 December 2003

Notice to discontinue operation of motor vehicle
unroadworthy vehicles - 197
heavy goods vehicles - 56
busses - 24
taxis - 70
light delivery vehicles - 5
all other - 42

Number of notices issued [summonses] for the period - 281, of which amongst others defective braking systems - 10; defective steering 18. Number of arrests - 19 [various offences]

In addition to law enforcement regular patrols will be carried out and in particular in the following areas Esplanade, Quigney, CBD's beach areas, by both traffic officers and City Police.

I personally am making an urgent request to police to target hotspots in East London such as the Quigney and Southernwood areas where shebeens are promoting unruly behaviour and criminals believe they can have a field day.

The West Bank area in King William's Town should also be targeted and we must ensure there is no mercy for the festive season.

Sindisile Maclean
EXECUTIVE MAYOR

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