Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has applauded the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for the construction of a Provincial High Court in Nelspruit.
He applauded them during a Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster meeting which was held in Nelspruit today, 7 November 2013. MEC Shongwe said that this court will assist the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to improve its case flow to ensure the conviction of suspects which is currently delayed by lack of resources.
He added that it will also minimize the distance travelled by Mpumalanga residents to the Pretoria High Court while radically reducing crime in the province which will also serve as a deterrent to people who are intending to commit crime.
As arresting of suspects of crime is a first step in the Criminal Justice System, Shongwe appealed to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the National Prosecuting Authority to support the police by ensuring that cases are speedily concluded.
“It discourages our police officers to see a dangerous suspect that they have arrested getting bail and our communities will eventually lose their confidence towards our hardworking officers,” said Shongwe.
Meanwhile, the MEC said that private security companies need to support government’s initiatives meant to eradicate crime, and not concentrate only on revenue generation.
“We are aware that some security officials, police officials and other law enforcers are involved in criminal activities and they are warned that they will be dealt with because they dent the image of hardworking officials. Our communities look up to us for their safety, we therefore need to ensure that we sustain the confidence that they have in us,” said Shongwe.
Shongwe also called for the strengthening of border security in the province as most criminal activities happen along the border including drug, cars, human trafficking and also the movement of undocumented foreigners in and out of the country.
“We need to work closely and support each other to fight against these crimes as they negatively affect our beautiful country. These crimes may impact on the economy of our country and province as they pose a threat to investors,” said Shongwe.
He added that operations such as the Overall Friday Campaign need to be fully complemented by all members of the JCPS Cluster to deal with problematic areas.
The cluster is formed by officials from the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, South African Police Services, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Correctional Services, Department of Social Development, Department of Home Affairs, Boarder Control Operational Coordinating Committee (BCOCC), South African Revenue Services and South African National Defence Force.
Among others, issues that were discussed in the meeting included the establishment of police stations and 10111 call centers, functionality of crime war rooms, establishment of One-Stop Child Justice Centre, drugs and substance abuse plan and festive season plan.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
Tel: 013 766 4055
