Mbombela - Only law-abiding citizens will have a jolly festive season, the minister of police said on Tuesday at the Mpumalanga launch of the 2010/2011 operation, Duty Calls.
"The operation Duty Calls festive season campaign is not a mere crusade of empty words and paying lip-service but a government-led and community-orientated campaign," said Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
"We are therefore excited that today we are joined by the community of Emalahleni as we affirm our message that during this festive season only law-abiding citizens will have a jolly good season."
Operation Duty Calls is a festive season campaign aimed at decreasing the surge of crime and road accidents during the festive period.
"For some reason... South Africans have a tendency to not only abuse alcohol during this season, but also to drive recklessly... We shall be tightening the screws in these areas and shall have no mercy on anyone found on the wrong side of the law."
Mthethwa congratulated the Mpumalanga police for arresting 1 589 criminals since the start of the campaign on November 1 this year.
He attributed the reduction in crimes during last year's festive season to the campaign and "community support, proper policing strategies and commitment from our force".
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Politics/No-mercy-over-festive-season-cops-20101130