The province launched its safer festive season campaign on Wednesday (28/10) at the MN Breytenbach sportsgrounds in Bultfontein. Letsoha-Mathae addressed residents and law enforcement officials alongside deputy police minister Cassel Mathale and provincial police commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia.

The Free State’s geographical position gave the province a particular responsibility to prepare for the busy holiday period and ensure effective law enforcement, said Letsoha-Mathae. The campaign demonstrated the government and police’s commitment to public safety, while calling on communities to work hand in hand with authorities.

Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and deputy police minister Cassel Mathale. Photo: Screenshot

She urged motorists not to drink and drive and cautioned pedestrians against walking while intoxicated, highlighting drunk pedestrians as one of the challenges facing the province, particularly along major routes. Festive season brings families together, increases travel and business activity, and places additional pressure on roads.

‘Free State has important position in SA’s transport network’

“This is a period that heighten vigilance from government and law enforcement agencies because increased movement can create opportunities for criminality, road accidents, illegal activities and other threats to public safety.”

The Free State occupied a particularly important position in SA’s transport and movement network, she added. “Our province is at the centre of major routes connecting different parts of South Africa.

“Thousands of people travel through this province, through our towns and along our roads on their way to other provinces and destinations.”

While the festive season was a time for celebration, it also presented opportunities for crime, which often increases during this period. “We usually see a spike in criminal acts as well as migration causing traffic on our roads and boarders.

“It is as a result that we deem it fit and necessary that from the first of October up until next year January we ensure we embark on what we call safer festive season,” he said.

Deputy police minister Cassel Mathale. Photo: Screenshot 

Meanwhile, Letsoha-Mathae raised concerns about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), cautioning women about entering transactional marriages with foreign nationals. She also called on residents to protect women and young girls and work towards ending GBVF in their communities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi   cvdw

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