It is reassuring to know that police have ramped up manpower and resources across the country as the festive season approaches.
This is a time when opportunistic and alcohol-fuelled crimes traditionally spike.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe has confirmed that festive season operations are now underway, with officers responding to a familiar pattern of offending that is already beginning to surface, particularly on social media.
His message is timely. While police presence will be strengthened, personal responsibility and community intervention will be just as critical in keeping people safe.
The festive season is a period marked by celebration, travel and social gatherings. It is also, unfortunately, a time when crimes of opportunity flourish.
Crowded spaces, relaxed attitudes and increased alcohol consumption create the conditions for theft, violence and reckless behaviour. Police have seen this pattern before, and they are preparing accordingly by pushing forward additional resources and manpower.
Yet even the most visible police presence has its limits.
As Mr Vusonilawe rightly pointed out, alcohol-related incidents tend to increase during this period, often with tragic consequences. These incidents frequently result in serious injuries or the loss of life, outcomes that are preventable.
Every year, families are left grieving because a moment of poor judgement spiralled into something far worse.
The call for personal responsibility, therefore, cannot be overstated.
Enjoying a drink is not the problem. Losing control and endangering oneself or others is. When people recognise that a situation has the potential to get out of hand, there is a responsibility to intervene, to step in, de-escalate, or, when necessary, call the police. Silence or inaction can be just as damaging as reckless behaviour.
Community involvement is another important pillar of safety during this season.
Police rely heavily on public cooperation, whether through reporting suspicious behaviour, looking out for neighbours, or simply being mindful of one another in busy public spaces. Increased police visibility helps deter crime, but a vigilant and engaged community amplifies that effect.
None of this is easy. Social pressure, festive excitement and cultural expectations can make moderation difficult.
But responsibility does not mean sacrificing enjoyment. It means planning ahead and making sensible choices. That may involve designating a sober driver before heading out, setting limits on alcohol consumption, or choosing to stay sober at a party. It may also mean knowing when to leave, when to say no, and when to look after a friend who has had too much.
This is a time of year when parties will be happening everywhere, at homes, in public venues and in workplaces.
There will be laughter, music and celebration, and in many cases, alcohol will be part of the equation. What must not be forgotten is that every decision made in these moments has consequences that can extend far beyond the night itself.
Ultimately, festive season policing should not be seen as a signal that danger is inevitable, but rather as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility.
Police can patrol streets and respond to incidents, but they cannot be everywhere at once. The most effective crime prevention starts with us as individuals making conscious, responsible choices and communities looking out for one another.
As the celebrations begin, let us embrace the spirit of the season, with joy, and with care.
