27/12/2025
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[HAPPENING TODAY] Today, 26 December 2025, at 14:45, several issues were discussed on Lesedi FM pertaining to the festive season and the need for communities to cooperate with the South African Police Service (SAPS). The awareness programme focused on the following:
SAFE USE OF FIREWORKS
Fireworks are not for sale to persons under the age of 16. If purchased, they must be used under parental supervision. Children have lost fingers, hands, and eyesight due to parental negligence. All traders must have an Explosives Traders Permit issued by SAPS clearly displayed on the premises. Do not buy fireworks sold by street vendors, as most are illegal and not regulated in terms of the Explosives Act 26 of 1956.
ABUSE OF ALCOHOL
The abuse of alcohol has proven to be the source of most domestic violence cases opened in and around the Free State. Females are urged to organise trusted transport to take them home late at night.
This is to curb rapes, murders, and assaults that occur while victims are on their way home from taverns. Speak to a trusted friend to collect you late at night and safely take you home and avoid walking alone at night.
POLICE READINESS
Police have today intensified patrols at places where large numbers of people are gathering. Multidisciplinary and strategic roadblocks are also being conducted throughout the province to help stop the transportation of stolen goods, illicit drugs, and ci******es. If you see anything suspicious, contact your nearest police station.
PARENTS OPENING FALSE PERSONS REPORTS
Listeners were advised today not to report their children as missing when they know the child is at an initiation school. Such reports are sometimes made due to disagreements over terms set by the owner of the initiation school.
These incidents can be referred to a specific committee under COGTA for mediation instead of opening missing persons cases and wasting police resources.
Ensure that your animals are branded accordingly and that, as the owner of the livestock, you have the necessary documentation to prove ownership. This will assist when livestock is recovered. Ensure that your camps are secure and that livestock counting is done frequently for early detection of theft.
