Police Minister, Bheki Cele, extends SAPS visibility in Cape Town

Police Minister, Bheki Cele, visited Cape Town on Monday, as part of the annual Safer Festive Season Inspection Tour.

The minister — with the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Thembisile Patekile, and the South African Police Service's (SAPS) management — visited crime hotspots around the city, such as Belhar and Makhaza.

This was to extend the SAPS reach through blue light visibility, which was the theme of the visit this year.

Police Minister, Bheki Cele, commended the Western Cape for working towards making the province a safer place for all. Courtesy: South African Police Service

In his talks, Cele paid special attention to crime as a result of alcohol use, emphasizing the impact that it has on vulnerable persons.

“We are aware that liquor is a social lubricant, unfortunately crime statistics show that it is also a contributor of crime, it is in and around liquor outlets where attacks on women are likely to occur and where people are likely to get into arguments, stab or shoot each other,” said Cele.

While in Makhaza, the minister deployed 60 police officers to fight crime in the community. Additionally, the minister handed over a mobile police station and 10 vehicles to the officers.

The community has welcomed the resources noting that it will combat the high levels of crime in the area.

Done By: Caitlin Maledo