Durban - People in KwaZulu-Natal during the festive season should expect increased police presence at malls, taxi ranks, recreational areas and identified 'hot spots'.
This strategy falls under Operation Duty Calls, an initiative launched to fight crime during the December holidays.
Speaking at the KZN launch in KwaMashu, Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa said government will not take any chances and those thinking of committing crimes should not bother.
"Our approach is government-led, business-orientated and community centred... The plan presented to General Cele looks at covering all the aspects of policing during this period," said Mthethwa.
Operations will focus on aggravated robberies, including house robberies, business robberies, robbery of cash in transit, as well as vehicle hijackings.
In addition, the South African Police Service (SAPS), in conjunction with Metro Police, will focus on social crime-prevention operations.
Special attention will be paid to contact crimes like assault, murder, rape and crimes committed against women and children.
Mthethwa reminded the audience about the significance of the 16 Days of Activism campaign to fight violence against women and children.
Although the campaign of no violence against women and children has recorded progress over the last 11 years, Mthethwa said more had to be done.
The minister said the campaign allows the police force to recommit their efforts to ensure safer communities.
He urged all police officers to "lead from the front" to ensure that all women are safe from abuse and harm.
Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele and Mthethwa both repeatedly asked members of the public to become involved in fighting crime by reporting unlawful incidents, even if the culprits are family and friends.
The police top brass indicated they are still formulating approaches and systems to deal with the scourge of crime in the country.
These systems are also directed to police officers who are found on the wrong side of the law.
Mthethwa praised Cele's approach of rotational management and said it is necessary if police officers are to perform at their best.
"Let us allow General [Cele] and his committed men and women space to deliver on their duties. We are supportive of our management and have every confidence in their capability," said the minister.
Since November 1, the police in KZN have arrested over 10 000 criminals for various crimes.
SAPS are expected to make more arrests, especially in cases where people infected with HIV/Aids are robbed of their anti-retroviral pills, which are mixed with other substances such as rat poison, to make mood-altering drugs.
"We shall continue to intensify these operations in the coming days and more arrests are expected," said Mthethwa.
