The leadership of police, led by Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his Deputy, Ms Maggie Sotyu met with police management today to discuss and review progress in the fight against crime, to also look at the current challenges facing the department.
“We are cognisant of the recent negative publicity and its impact on the morale of the police across the organisation. Our job however is not merely to be concerned about negative publicity or perceptions but our fundamental job is to deal with the issues that are being raised. While this is in process, we remain committed to fighting crime. The police are at war with criminals and that is ongoing.”
“We have to look beyond publicity and establish whether there are facts or merits that justify those negative perceptions. Based on that we then have to rectify any such wrongs if they in fact do exist. From the point of view of the management, they showed commitment shown by to soldier on and ensuing that we live our philosophy of community policing of continuously bridging the gap between police and community,” he added.
“Current investigations and disciplinary actions involving senior members of the South African Police Service do not and should not distract police or the public from the fight against crime. As a collective, we remain confident that we shall overcome the current challenges.”
He stated that government, including the police, is subject to the rule of law and the intricacies of litigation. All parties concerned, as well as the media and the public, must allow these process to unfold.
“While current cases and decisions are pending, the police remains focused on ensuring that all South Africans are and feel safe. The thousands of men and women in the police who are keeping our communities safe daily are unaffected by the cases under discussion.”
This is evidenced by the scores of victories that police continue to score on a daily basis and we urge them to keep their eyes focused on this mandate.
Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024
Fight against crime continues – Minister Mthethwa
