Cabinet Says Law Enforcement, Border Security Heightened For Safe Easter Holiday

Cabinet announced that law enforcement and border security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of everyone during the Easter holiday this weekend.

Speaking to the media, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni shared outcomes of the latest official cabinet meeting of the sixth administration held on Thursday.

"There will be heightened police visibility across the country aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday period and beyond," she said, SA News reported.

She also extended Cabinet's best wishes to the Christian and Jewish communities as they celebrate their respective religious festival over the weekend.

"During this time, many South Africans will travel around the country to visit their families and friends, resulting in increased traffic volumes," she added. "Law enforcement has adopted a zero tolerance for road users who drive recklessly and are negligent and those who use excessive speeds."

The Minister also urged parents and caregivers to be mindful of their children's location and to ensure they are under the supervision of responsible adults. She emphasized the importance of being extra cautious when children are near swimming pools or any water bodies.

Regarding border security management, Ntshavheni praised the Border Management Authority's (BMA) efforts to enhance security measures and reduce congestion. She revealed plans for the BMA to extend operating hours at key ports of entry and deploy an extra 400 border guards to manage the anticipated surge in travelers during the Easter weekend.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) will be supporting the Easter operational plan.

Furthermore, the minister praised the work of the BMA as it will mark the first anniversary since its establishment on April 1.

According to the minister, the agency has stopped more than 270,000 individuals attempting illegal entry into South Africa, helping in the prevention of illegal migration, human trafficking, smuggling and cross-border crime.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the South African government has strengthened the security measures to fight against crime by recruiting 20,000 police officers over the last two years in the South African Police Service.