Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) says it fully supports initiatives or campaigns which aim to prevent and combat crime that may threaten the safety and security of South African citizens.

This follows the launch of the national festive season safety operation in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa on Friday by Police Minister Bheki Cele.

The launch of the safer festive season operations coincides with the announcement of a joint plan by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and

Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) to tackle crime. Its launch is timed just ahead of the busy festive season.

The Eyes and Ears initiative (E2) is an initiative that has already been implemented in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Eastern Cape with great successes already been achieved. This concept sees the private security industry as a force multiplier.

One of the initiative’s core objectives is to enhance the situational awareness of the SAPS by using the Private Security Industry’s (PSI) geographical deployment footprint for the sharing of information in a bid to reduce crime in SA.

BLSA national project manager Fouche Burgers says effective crime fighting relies on the partnership between the police, private security and community policing, and E2 has proven that with proper co-ordination this can be achieved.

Policing partnerships must be created within all sectors of our society. The police really need the private security and communities to be fully alert and aware of suspicious criminal activities so as to deter criminals from striking, adds Burgers.

The Managing Director of BACSA, Tebele Luthuli, says: Crime and violence affect the quality of life of every South African. Reducing crime and building safer communities require the commitment of everyone. This launch in Phuthaditjhaba proves once again that the private sector is serious about joining forces with the government to address a dire need from our crime-ridden communities to feel safe and protected.

“It is imperative for everyone to rally behind our dedicated men and men in uniform. We have to be the eyes and ears of the SAPS and tirelessly expose any criminal activities in our communities.”