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BE SAFE DURING NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS

By Crime Watch | 2024-12-29

Tuesday will mark the end of the year 2024, the nation will usher the New Year through celebrations and over the years these events sometimes ended in a tragedy.

In the weekend leading to the Christmas week, the Royal Eswatini Police Service noted with concern the frequency of violent crimes such as murder.

During the crossover weekend at least five murder cases were reported which was an indication that Emaswati seem to have lost respect and the sanctity of human life.

Violent crimes continue to be committed with impunity especially during such celebrations hence the nation is warned to stay safe and not place themselves in harm’s way during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

It is important that Emaswati keep safe and behave themselves when celebrating so that everyone crosses over to 2025. National Commissioner of Police Manoma Masango during his festive message stated that the police service, had already heightened safety and security measures countrywide.

He said the approach was absolute zero tolerance to crime and wayward behavior on the roads which resulted in accidents. During the New Years eve celebrations, the police will continue to exercise zero tolerance towards crime and any unbecoming behaviour that may lead to the commission of crime.

He further said that police officers were already, deployed in all strategic areas especially those that were accident and crime prone. Police presence in these areas is a proactive measure to ensure that crime and road accidents were mitigated as much as possible.

Masango appealed to members of the public to abide to safety precautions and further cooperate with the police while discharging their mandate of protecting life and property.

The NatCom cautioned and sternly warned operators of liquor outlets to stick to stipulated operating hours. Those who operate illegal drinking spots were also warned against such an act, as these sometimes contribute to the commission of heinous crimes.

“One way of cooperating with the police is for the public to refrain from behavior that is in conflict with the law amidst the excitement and celebration that come with the festive season. Discipline and circumspection should always underpin conduct at this time.

To criminals and would-be criminals, the police service is on the ground committed to protecting Emaswati and their properties.

Road accidents over the Christmas period proved to be a cause for concern as several people lost their lives. Emaswati are urged to observe and adhere to all road safety rules. Police will continue to exercise zero tolerance to reckless driving, drink-driving and over speeding as these usually contribute to road fatalities.

Some of the safety precautions that the public can employ in ensuring their safety while ushering in the New Year include:

n Avoiding noisy and disorderly celebrations – such celebrations are discouraged as they often infringe on the rights of other citizens who may want to enjoy a peaceful environment.
n Desist blocking public roads and burning tyres on the roads – people should desist from the practice of blocking public roads and burning tyres which is irresponsible behaviour as it may put other road users especially motorists at risk.

n Spinning of cars on the roads – spinning of cars on public roads and other forms of negligent driving is a criminal offence and it will not be tolerated.

n Fireworks – in general terms we do not encourage the use of fireworks especially at this time for safety and security challenges confronting us as a nation. Be that as it may, in the event people use them, they must be used with caution as they can be dangerous and those that emit too much noise be avoided wherever possible.

n Liquor traders - should adhere to the provisions of their licences i.e. bottle stores should be strictly for buying and enjoy away from the premises whilst bars to stick to operating hours. Failure to adhere to the stated provisions of their licences contributes to reckless drinking which in turn leads to violent crimes taking place.

n The police will be all out to ensure that watering holes and other liquor outlets adhere to the law and do not operate beyond stipulated hours. Liquor outlets operators are to be responsible and stick to the legal operating hours to avoid chances of violent behavior and road accidents due to over imbibing.

An already drunk person should not be sold more alcohol as this add to the risk.
n Police will practice zero tolerance to irresponsible driving behaviour exhibited through drunken driving, over speeding and reckless driving.

n Motorists should avoid Drinking and Driving, Over-speeding and Reckless Driving as statistics indicate that these factors contribute to a lot of road accidents.

n Those that will want to move around during the night, they should make sure that they are in pairs or groups so that in a case of an emergency they can assist each other. It is important to alert a relative or friend of your whereabouts/location during the celebrations.

Wishing the Nation a safe crossover!!!

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