The SAPS has tightened its crime-combating belt to ensure that visitors are safe and that everything runs smoothly during the National Arts Festival.
The SAPS has tightened its crime-combating belt to ensure that visitors are safe and that everything runs smoothly during the National Arts Festival.
While many people view the annual Festival as an opportunity to market their businesses, criminals on the other hand are also preparing to cause trouble. Many people who will be visiting Grahamstown, depend on local security or the police to ensure that they are safe from criminals while they are enjoying themselves. The local SAPS has joined forces with the Department of Justice to combat crime during the festival.
Police officers from various districts were briefed on their duties at Graeme College on Wednesday. According to the Festival police spokesperson, Inspector Mali Govender, there are approximately 150 officers who will be on duty and 40 reservists will be working on a 24hour basis every day "at any given time." She also said that there will be extensive foot patrol in certain designated areas.
Crime reporting stations will be placed at the Monument, Transnet Village Green and in High Street opposite the magistrate’s court.Govender added that the police are "trying their best to ensure that visitors are safe as possible.” She also warns people not to create opportunities for criminals by being slack. She urges that people keep their belongings safe and stay aware of what’s going on around them.
Petty crime, especially pickpocketing is rife. Spokesperson for Grahamstown Police, Captain Ndivhelafhi Mamuthubi, said that public drinking becomes problematic during Festival as people are over-excited and drink too much which makes them easy prey for pickpockets. He warns that the public must be vigilant and never put your bag or cellphone where you can’t see it.
Security guards from various local security companies are working on a 24 hour basis to ensure that there are no criminal activities that will interfere with Festival activities. Kenny Knoetze, armed response for Hi-Tec, said that Hi-Tec is expecting a lot of crime during Festival as every year there is an increase of crime during the Festival period. "Crimes vary breaking into cars to drug trafficking as we have a lot of drugs brought into Grahamstown as people come from Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred and from around the country," Knoetze said. Hi-Tec security company has also employed extra security guards as back up.
