​Thembisa Shologu
Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko has warned residents that the  alcohol sales' return to its normal trading  hours, including weekends does not mean people should drink too much or behave recklessly. 
MEC Mazibuko said that the decision to extend operation  Okae Molao from a one day operation to a three day operation  will help deal with the high levels of  lawlessness in the province  over the weekends. 
"There is too much drinking and driving in Gauteng and unfortunately as the President has extended the days to buy alcohol, it means we are going to see a lot of people taking chances and driving under the influence instead of calling an Uber. Law enforcement agencies are out there, carrying breathalysers and if you are found to be above the limit of 0, 24 you will be arrested and spend the night in a police station," said Mazibuko. 
"The Department is working with  the SAPS in the establishment of the state of the art Provincial Integrated Command Centre   in Midrand where public law enforcement agencies and private security companies will share resources and crime-fighting technological capabilities. 
This centre will, amongst other initiatives, integrate all cameras installed in malls, Central Business Districts and on the roads to track down criminals. It will also integrate the use of drones and other cutting-edge technologies," said MEC Mazibuko.
 MEC Mazibuko also applauded the justice system for the progress that has been made in prosecuting criminals that have committed  heinous crimes  against women and children, with some  receiving life sentences.
"We have also deployed Gender Based Violence (GBV) brigades in all the wards in Gauteng to assist in identifying, helping and visiting homes of victims that want to be assisted by getting linked to the victim empowerment centres in our police stations and also linked to the social workers for psychosocial support," said Mazibuko.
The Department will launch the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign in Dobsonville in Soweto on 25 November 2020.