The City of Cape Town recently launched its festive safety season plan, which includes increased law enforcement patrols around popular destinations.
“The City aims to make citizens and visitors safe while taking advantage of the many attractions,” Mayor Gordon Hill-Lewis explained.
He said more than 4 000 uniformed law enforcement staff will be available on shifts and the number excludes the 600 lifeguards available at identified beaches and public swimming pools.
He warned the consumption of alcohol in public spaces and drunken driving will be a key focus area for law enforcement this festive season.
“We are rolling out thousands of officers, technology, four wheelers, technology, jet skies, helicopters and much more to keep Capetonians safe this season,” he said.
The Mayor urged that all obey the instructions of law enforcement officers at beaches, and said no-one should ever drive under the influence of alcohol.
“Obey the rules and look after one another,” he said.
“We also want to advise parents especially about our identikits on our beaches, which is a free service to be allocated tags so they are not separated from their parents, and if separated can be reunited.”
JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, added to the Mayor’s warning that alcohol consumption in public places is a no-go.
He said this is a major risk in terms of water and road safety and appealed to the public to not drink and drive. “It is a mammoth task, but one that we have refined over many years of implementation,” Smith said.
He added the plan is also contingent on everyone doing their bit and on the public’s working with the City this year by taking responsibility for their personal safety.
“Always be aware of your surroundings, know where your children are and ensure they are supervised at all times, but most importantly, leave the alcohol at home, and when you have been drinking please don’t get behind the wheel of your car.”
