Police spokesperson, Wendy Nkabi, says a zero tolerance approach will be followed. She says intensive foot and vehicle patrols to mainly focus on the prevention of robberies will be conducted at high-density areas where large groups of people are gathered. She has urged attendees to act responsibly.

The festival was officially launched this morning by Mangaung Mayor, Thabo Manyoni, and will continue until October 11.

The police’s law enforcement operation is to be hosted in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. These include various police units and the Mangaung Metro Municipal Security, as well as the Mangaung Metro Traffic Department. These agencies will aim at maintaining law and order during the activities by focusing on drinking in public, incidents of public indecency, theft out of motor vehicles and street robberies.

The roadblocks will be manned at identified hotspot areas to promote road safety, prevent vehicle hijackings and to detect the transportation of stolen goods. The focus will also be on the non-compliance with regard to the Road Traffic Act, especially driving under the influence of liquor, she says.

According to Nkabi attendees must not forget their personal safety as well as the safety of their property while enjoying the festivities.  

Christal-Lize Muller/OFM News