Crime Line responds to call of duty ahead of festive season

The campaign was launched in Limpopo on Friday by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa at the Jane Furse Stadium in the Sekhukhune district.

"We will support the SAPS again during the festive season and ensure that the information we receive from the public about criminal activity is passed on to the police to act. No campaign of this nature is possible without the buy-in, support and active participation from members of the public.

"We call on citizens to blow the whistle via Crime Line. The service is anonymous and an effective tool to stand up against crime without becoming a target of criminals," said Crime Line Coordinator Marisa Oosthuizen.

Crime Line also commended the police for their continued commitment to strengthening the role of whistleblowers in the community.

"It is our collective responsibility to fight crime. Our men and women in blue are changing public perception through hard work and daily acts of bravery. The tip-offs we receive are testimony to an active civil society that breaks the silence and plays its part in squeezing the space for criminals," added Oosthuizen.

Operation Duty Calls will conclude at the end of January 2013. The campaign will clamp down on a number of criminal activities, including drug abuse and dealing; aggravated robberies; cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings.

The SAPS will continue to raise awareness on how South Africans can ensure the safety of children over this period. Rural protection will also be intensified, while high visibility patrols will be increased along tourist destinations, especially along coastal cities.

"The need to intensify police operations during this period is vital. The necessity for the public to work together with the police cannot be stressed enough. We are confident that together, we will ensure another successful campaign," said Oosthuizen.

Meanwhile, newly elected second Vice President of Crime Stoppers International (CSI) and Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee, said tip-offs were "a very effective way of fighting crime" as one person was arrested every 14 minutes around the world through anonymous information.

Abramjee said fighting the drug scourge, gun running and human trafficking should also become areas of focus.

"These crimes are on the increase around the globe and we must unite to stop it," he said.

Members of the public with information about criminal activity can pass it on to Crime Line by SMS to 32211, online at www.crimeline.co.za or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111.