26 April 2006
Freedom Day celebrations should be a stark reminder to all of us of the good
work that the police are doing in defending the constitution and safeguarding
our rights.
MEC for Safety and Security, Dina Pule, thanks all those who are doing the
honourable by serving in the South African Police Service (SAPS) as members and
reservists. She is sympathetic to their plight and understands the stresses
they go through on a daily basis. She requests their families and communities
to give them the support they need.
In Mpumalanga notable changes can now be seen in the manner in which serious
and violent crimes like armed robbery are handled. The turn around time for the
first phase resolution of the case that is to bring the suspect before the
courts takes at most 21 days. Suspects have been arrested in all the casino
robberies and heists.
Much effort is being placed on crimes against women and children; no
withdrawal statements for these cases are going to be accepted. In instances
where complainants wish to withdraw the case the State becomes the complainant
and the complainant will be compelled to testify, failing which they may face
arrest for contempt of court.
The ability of police stations to fight crime will also be enhanced in line
with the Afrika concept's vision of localising crime combating and prevention.
More resources will also be channelled to police stations in the rural areas to
enable them to serve the people better.
Relations between the community and the police will also be strengthened.
The Provincial Crime Prevention Framework will also be implemented in earnest
this year. The implementation framework for the rural safety strategy has also
been finalised. Workshops will be held with municipalities to make them better
understand their role in fighting crime. Security structures in municipalities
including municipal security guards and traffic officers will also be brought
into the crime prevention framework thorough the Thusano Integrated Policing
Model, a pilot project of the model is running in the Emalahleni Municipality
and is to be rolled out to other municipalities in the coming months.
MEC Pule urges communities to look after children, at no stage should
children be left with no adult to care for them or be left in the care of
uncles who have not performed the baby sitting task in the past.
Provisions of the legislation that relates to children will also be
implemented to deal with instances of child neglect. Communities are reminded
to report all instances of child abuse and neglect so that actions can be taken
against those who fail to properly protect our children. The MEC is committed
to the creation of a safe and secure child environment.
Enquiries:
Putsoa Makua
Tel: (013) 766 4031
Cell: 082 822 3141
Issued by: Department of Safety and Security, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
26 April 2006
