By Nangamso Mabindla

Buffalo City has issued a warning to residents and visitors alike for the festive season: break the law and you will land in jail.

"We will not tolerate any law-breaking," said Buffalo City Traffic Chief Berny Martin this week.

The city's law-enforcers have partnered with South African Police Services to come up with a two-phase plan to deal with transgressors. Martin said two specific areas had been identified: roads and beaches.

Martin said the city and the SAPS needed to be tough because people's lives were at stake on the roads, especially with people rushing to arrive at their respective destinations.

"We have come up with a plan to combat law-breaking this year. People need to know that they are safe on our roads. Irresponsible drivers do not deserve to be among us."

The two-phase plan covers December and January. "The first phase starts from 12 December to 25 December - the period when school and factories close and the city is busy with Christmas shopping," said Martin, adding that holiday-makers would be also making their way to the coast during this time.

Revellers

The second phase would cover the period starting from Christmas to the New Year, when people headed for the beaches to enjoy themselves. "We will be stricter during this time and we will close certain roads leading to the beach."

Captain John Forbian from the SAPS said police officers would be deployed to monitor the thousands of revellers expected to gather on the local beaches, especially on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

"We usually have problems this time, especially at the Beach Burger public parking space at the Eastern beach. We will be tougher there to ensure nothing goes wrong."

Police Commissioner Sandile Hloba issued a simple warning: "Break the law and a jail sentence will be the result."

Buffalo City Executive Mayor Sindisile applauded the efforts of the law-enforcement teams, saying people needed to be assured of their democratic right to a "safe and secure festive season".

The mayor urged police to "target hotspots in East London, such as the Quigney and Southernwood, where shebeens are promoting unruly behaviour and criminals believe they can have a field day".

The West Bank area in King William's Town will also be carefully monitored. "We should show no mercy to lawbreakers this festive season," Councillor Maclean said.