Africa-Press – Eswatini. As the Nation switches into celebration mode, the slogan “Combating Crime and Road Traffic Accidents through Robust Police Action in Partnership with the Public” should be at the back of everyone’s mind if these holidays are to be incident free.
The Christmas long weekend has already begun in earnest and the Royal Eswatini Police Service has been on the ground working tirelessly and diligently to ensure public safety and security. If the fight against crime and road accidents is to be won during this joyous period, it is key that everyone takes the responsibility of prioritizing personal safety.
The Acting National Commissioner of Police Commissioner – Lydia Sijabulisiwe Dlamini has urged Emaswati and all stakeholders to work with the Police towards a crime and accident-free festive season. She noted that the festive season is usually characterized with violent crimes such as murder and fatal road accidents which should not be normalized.
Dlamini assured the nation that the Police Service has already set in motion operational systems to ensure that safety and security prevails.
She said the officers are already on the ground alert to any potential risk of crime in public spaces and business zones. She said ss an on-going strategy to uproot and throw criminal elements off-course, raids are being conducted in notorious crime hotspot areas.
She highlighted that as per the new operational mantra the Police will continue to work together with the community towards suppressing and eliminating crime, road accidents and the litany of other elements that may threaten the safety and security of citizens.
“To intensify visibility and remove the fear of crime and accidents, officers who are alert to handle any potential safety or security threat have already been deployed on the ground including public spaces and business zones as well as on the roads.
Our pledge to all categories of the Nation that we are honored to serve, is that we will give our all, to ensure that your festive season is not marred by any untoward incidents. We therefore appeal for your support, cooperation and assistance as we strive to keep our country safe.”
With regards to road safety, traffic operations such as roadblocks, speed traps and roadside check are underway to ensure safety and the free flow of traffic.
Dlamini challenged everyone to collectively strive to reverse the trend of accidents by making sure that motorists and pedestrians are always alert and aware of what is happening around them while on the road.
Factors that are persistently the cause of fatal accidents include the deadly trio of drunken driving, excessive speeding and reckless driving and it is for this reason that the REPs urge all road users to consistently ensure that they adhere to the rules of the road and be always safety conscious.
In realising a safe and a Merry Christmas Police are requesting the public’s cooperation by practicing the following precautions in strengthening individual safety:
8 As Christmas is characteristic of intensive shopping, businesses are encouraged to practice regular banking to avoid keeping large amounts of money in their premises so as to prevent armed robberies which tend to escalate during this time.
8 Individuals should avoid carrying large sums or to leave money in motor vehicles.
8 Users of the mobile money facility must not share PIN numbers and photocopies of their identity documents.
8 Shoppers are to avoid unsolicited help by individuals who offer by-the-shop assistance only to be conned.
8 To avoid cloning, ATM Cards should always be kept safe and once they are lost or stolen, they must be cancelled as soon as possible.
8 Liquor outlets operators should be responsible and stick to the legal operating hours. Police will be out to ensure that the law is adhered to.
8 People who will be going on vacation should not leave their home or properties unguarded.
8 With regards to the safety of children, we appeal to parents to make sure that their youngsters are always under supervision.
In strengthening road safety, members of the public are urged to observe the following:
8 Vehicles are to be checked for road worthiness before embarking on any trip and only eligible drivers are to be behind the wheel. Unlicensed people should not be given access to drive.
8 Motorists should avoid Drinking and Driving, Over-speeding and Reckless Driving which are frequently a recipe for accidents.
8 Livestock should be kept away from the road as stray animals also increase opportunities of road carnage.
8 Public Service Vehicle operators are urged to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and they should never overload.
8 Pedestrians must be cautious and use designated areas such as zebra crossings and overhead bridges, when crossing the roads to avoid any accidents as they may lead to fatalities.
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