South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday dismissed reports that some of its police stations will not be operating on Christmas Day and New Years Eve.
This comes after it was reported that some police stations will be closed for Christmas Day and New Years Eve.
SAPS emphasised that operations were launched several weeks ago and there is no doubt that our communities have witnessed the heightened police visibility.
"SAPS has intensified its efforts to ensure that all in South Africa are and feel safe over the festive season. Countrywide operations were launched several weeks ago and there is no doubt that our communities have witnessed the heightened police visibility." SAPS said in a the statement.
According to SAPS the reports of the closure of stations first surfaced on a satirical news-site which even quoted Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane as conforming the news.
However SAPS has distanced itself from the reports adding that they " find this type of misguided humour tasteless and misleading."
On Thursday Phahlane urged citizens to be alert and stay safe this festive season.
"Let us unite as a nation over this holiday period and focus on staying safe in all environments, whether at a holiday destination, at home, in the workplace or out shopping," Phahlane said.
"There is no need to sow panic or create false alarm. There is a place for humour, undoubtedly, but it is not in this environment," continued Phahlane
The past few weeks have seen a number of "pass out parades" hosted across where newly graduated SAPS members are finally directed to hit the streets in curbing crime this festive season.
