26 June 2006
The MEC for Community Safety in Gauteng, Mr Firoz Cachalia, has condemned
the violent assault on police officers by a gang of robbers after a dramatic
shoot out at a house in Jeppestown in down town Johannesburg yesterday. The
incident occurred after a gang of robbers had robbed a Pick ân Pay store in
Honey Dew and fled with an undisclosed amount of money. The police arrested one
of the fleeing robbers who then led them to a housed in Jeppestown where the
shootout occurred.
The MEC expressed concern over the heavily armed and organised gangs who
seemed to be determined to break the law and ready to confront law enforcement
with arms if necessary. âThis shocking assault on those tasked with protecting
lives and maintaining the rule of law will not be tolerated.â He said such
actions constitute nothing less than a guerrilla war on society and law abiding
citizens. âThe organised manner in which these incidents are carried out
demands an organised response from the police and we want to send out a message
to these syndicates that the police will not be intimidated into retreat,â the
MEC said. In agreement with Minister Nqakula the MEC reiterated to the police
that where necessary the police must use legally sanctioned force, he said the
criminals must feel the heat.
The MEC also sent out his condolences to the families of the brave officers
who lost their lives during this incident and will be visiting the bereaved
families soon.
For more information contact:
Phumla Sekhonyane
Tel: (011) 689 3633
Cell: 082 909 3708
Issued by: Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Provincial
Government
26 June 2006
