Police crackdown on liquor hours, step up festive safety patrols

Liquor outlets across the country have been given strict instructions to adhere to legal operating hours as the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) intensifies efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful festive season.

Police officers will be on the ground to monitor compliance, with the aim of curbing crime and maintaining public order.

As the nation prepares to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year, REPS National Commissioner Manoma Vusi Masango said police would maintain a high level of visibility to ensure safety and security. This, he explained, was because during this period, there usually is a surge in human activity, traffic, and business transactions, which often leads to a higher risk of crime and road accidents.

“The festive period is usually marked by increased traffic and human activity, which can heighten the risk of crime and road accidents. It is therefore imperative that everyone plays their part in ensuring safety and security,” he said.

To address these risks, the police launched a comprehensive blueprint during an event at Ngculwini, attended by the Prime Minister recently. The strategy, titled ‘Police Remain Resolute in Dismantling Crime Syndicates and Preventing Road Crashes to Fortify the Security and Safety of the Nation’, highlights the police commitment to protecting communities and preventing criminal and accident-related incidents.

According to Masango, as part of the blueprint, operations to enhance police visibility were already underway.

NATCOM said officers would be deployed on foot and in motorised patrols to reassure the public and respond promptly to incidents. He stated that strategic deployments had been made in high-traffic zones, business areas, and known crime hotspots.

Traffic operations had also been intensified, including roadblocks, speed traps, roadside checks, and patrols to enforce road safety regulations and prevent accidents. Masango stated that intelligence-led operations were also being conducted to dismantle criminal networks and prevent potential threats.

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The police have issued several precautions for the public and businesses. With increased shopping activity during the festive season, business owners are encouraged to regularly bank their cash to avoid keeping large amounts on the premises.

Shoppers were advised not to carry large sums of money or leave valuables unattended in vehicles. Mobile money users, according to the police, should never share PIN numbers and ATM cards must be kept safe and cancelled immediately if lost or stolen.

In addition, Masango urged parents to ensure that children remain under trustworthy supervision. Masango highlighted that incidents of sexual abuse and drowning tend to increase during this season due to the excitement of festivities. He stressed the importance of adults supervising youngsters, particularly near bodies of water, to prevent tragedies.

Road safety, he said, was a major focus for the police during the festive season. Masango said the service has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drink driving, over-speeding, and reckless driving, the main contributors to fatal accidents.

He encouraged motorists to adhere to all traffic signs, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and avoid overloading. Pedestrians were reminded to use designated crossing points, while public service vehicle operators were supposed to maintain roadworthy vehicles and avoid overloading passengers.

Other safety precautions include ensuring that homes and properties were properly secured, particularly for those going on vacation. Communities were encouraged to report suspicious activities promptly, and Stokvel groups were advised to use banking institutions for saving and distributing funds safely.

Regarding the upcoming Incwala ceremony, Masango stated that it also required special attention from law enforcement. He said officers were strategically deployed to safeguard participants and prevent crime and road accidents during the national event.

Masango appealed for the public’s cooperation in following police directives and exercising due care on the roads, particularly in areas where Libutfo would be marching.

Also, as the New Year approaches, the police warned against rowdy celebrations that disrupt traffic or lead to violent incidents. Burning tyres, placing stones in the road, discharging fireworks beyond municipal time limits, and spinning vehicles on roads would not be tolerated, according to the police.

Organisers of crossover gigs were reminded to ensure adequate security for attendees and prevent disturbances. NATCOM stressed the importance of community participation in maintaining a safe festive season. He stated that citizens were encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and adhere to safety protocols to ensure a peaceful end of the year.

“We remain resolute in ensuring that peace and tranquility prevails throughout this period,” Masango said.