Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate launching October  the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay

For immediate release
24 October 2024

The South African Police Service (SAPS), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Mossel Bay Municipality, and various stakeholders from the Garden Route launched the Safer Festive Season campaign yesterday, 23 October 2024, at the Extension 23 Sports Ground Stadium in Mossel Bay. The event brought together police officers, municipal leaders, youth, and community members, all united in promoting safety during the upcoming holiday season.

Stakeholer representatives in attendance at the Joint Operation Centre in Mossel Bay.

The day commenced with a briefing session at Mossel Bay’s Joint Operations Centre, where plans and resources in ensuring the safety of residents and tourists, were discussed. Following the briefing, stakeholders participated in an integrated roadblock near PetroSA before gathering at the stadium for the official launch of the campaign.

During the briefing, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, emphasised the importance of crime prevention in sustaining the district’s rapid growth, particularly as the Garden Route remains a major tourist destination. He expressed the municipality’s commitment to public safety, adding that “the crime rate is being addressed with utmost priority to continue fostering economic growth”. Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile, highlighted the need to support officers’ well-being, including addressing their housing needs. Mayor Stroebel responded that GRDM is actively working to become a housing authority, with an application currently in process.

The delegation subsequently participated in the roadblock near PetroSA in Mossel Bay creating awareness about safety in general.

Speakers addressing the representatives from various organisations as well as members of the community.

Arriving at the stadium, the delegation was welcomed by officers in ‘Blue’, representatives from various other organisations, community members and school representatives from the area, to name a few. The formal programme commenced with a parade in honour of the role of SAPS officers in the community and the safety of the residents of the district.

In his address at the event, Mayor Stroebel extended words of appreciation to all the partners involved in the campaign specifically pointing out SAPS, emergency services and the various departments that have come together in unity to make the launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign possible. He said: “Your dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our community is invaluable, and it gives me immense confidence in our collective ability to face the challenges of the festive season”. In addition, he further reiterated that “the Garden Route is not only a beautiful and vibrant region but also a significant tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors during the holiday period”.

“We recognise the increased responsibility on our shoulders to ensure that both our residents and visitors feel safe and protected. Through our partnerships and the tireless work of all stakeholders involved, we are well-prepared to meet this challenge head-on.”

Parades of honour by SAPS officers at the event.

While Mayor Stroebel mentioned that safety and security cannot be achieved by one entity alone, he noted that “through strong partnerships we are able to ensure a cohesive and proactive approach to managing risks. These partnerships allow us to work together towards the common goal of providing a secure environment, not just over the festive season, but throughout the year,” he added. “Together, we will continue to build a region where everyone can enjoy the holidays in peace and security, knowing that they are supported by a strong and capable network of professionals,” he concluded.

Executive Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, Ald. Cliffie Bayman, when offering the residents of the Garden Route the assurance that Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route is in safe hands while heading into the festive season, he said: “Today is an opportunity to show that partnerships built up through, for example, the Joint Operation Centre, have helped safeguard Mossel Bay and, through the K9 Unit, Mossel Bay has played a key supporting role in growing safety in the broader Western Cape”. In addition, Ald. Bayman further reminded all present that “today is a show of force and collaboration, a promise that the Council will continue to build on the success of these partnerships”. On behalf of the Mossel Bay he offered his full support towards the campaign and an overall safer festive season.

The operational plan handed over to Western Cape Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile.

Lieutenant General Patekile encouraged communities to exercise caution during the December holidays as he made specific mention to the issue of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence, particularly women and children. Patekile further said: “We urge everyone as SAPS takes GBV extremely seriously – through our efforts, we will continue to protect the vulnerable, the elderly and women, as well as children”. In general, Patekile further encouraged communities to change their attitude, change the narrative and he advised that “we want you to be happy, everybody must be happy, as long as there should be no loss of life”.

Patekile further mentioned that SAPS deals with plenty occurrences of the loss of lives amongst young persons. He advised that “we should prevent situations that trigger conflict and that we should respect one another’s space”.  he He further advised: “After attending an event, go home and sleep, do not cause problems”.  He urged parents and communities to advise the youth, specifically young men, to act wisely and in the best interest of everyone’s safety. In terms of growing the economy he encouraged the public not to purchase counterfeit food at stores. These are merely a few of the many tips he shared with all present.  In terms of extortion, he seriously advised that victims of extortion should report their cases to the toll-free number 0800 314 444.

Dry-runs conducted during the event.

The rest of the activities included the Code of Conduct of SAPS Officers delivered by Constable Slingers in committing themselves to the safety of society, dry-runs of various crime-related incidents that police officers are tasked with on a daily basis, the marching of the Guard of Honour and instrumental performances by the men and ladies in blue, an exhibition and ultimately the handing over of the Operation Plan to the Lieutenant General Patekile.

Strong partnerships created and fostered for a safer Garden Route district.

Representatives from the Community Policing Forum, Spiritual Crime Prevention, the Department of Correctional Services, as well as the Provincial Traffic Department were also in attendance.

ENDS