The Ministry of Police and South African Police Services (SAPS) will today lead the annual countrywide Festive Season Inspection Roadshow in Ladybrand in the Free State.

The spokesperson for the Ministry Linrandzu Themba said the visit forms part of police efforts to channel resources to areas where they are most needed. The festive season policing intervention which runs parallel with the high-density Operation Shanela helps police to decisively deal with criminality and security threats that may take place during the holiday season and beyond. 

The ministry and SAPS management team from national and province, led by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Free State Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane, will assess the effectiveness of SAPS Safer festive season operation plans put in place at Ladybrand. Themba said this will ensure the well-being and safety of all residents and tourists in the country during this period.

Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae  led the roadblock operation in Edenburg, Photo: Facebook      

The first phase of the roadshow is expected to kick off from 10:00 until 11:00 with the addressing of the multi-disciplinary parade at NG Kerk Hall in Ladybrand. The second phase will be from 11:30 until 12:15 when the ministry and SAPS management will engage with the community and this will include a walkabout at Central Business District. Phase 3 will be the conclusion of the programme at Maseru Port of Entry from 13:00 until 13:30.

Motswenyane together with Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae led the launch of the provincial safer festive season in Welkom earlier this year. She acknowledged the work that women and men in blue had already done through Operation Shanela. Mathae handed over 44 new fleets to stations of different districts in the province.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi