North West Acting MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Dr Magome Masike has called upon members of the police service to expose the tiny minority whose shameful actions of involvement in crime and corruption tarnish the image of upright men and women who constitute the overwhelming majority within the police service.
MEC Masike made the call at the National Police Day celebrations held on Thursday at Ikageng Stadium in Potchefstroom in the North West province.
Dr Masike called upon members to renew their pledge to uphold the integrity of the South African Police Service by serving with pride, honour, and dignity.
In expressing appreciation for the services rendered by the police, Masike said that without the selfless contribution of loyal and dedicated men and women in dignified blue who risked their lives protecting the weak and the vulnerable in the society against evil crime, communities would not be safe as they are to this very day.
MEC Masike commended the police service for the significant decline in the murder rate and other serious crimes, which he said indicated the successes of the increased focus on the war against crime. The success he said included speedy arrest of suspects involved in farm attacks.
He made a passionate plea for police to strengthen and deepen their relationship with farmers and other stakeholders within farming communities in order to prevent such attacks and stock theft. Seventeen detectives from Tlhabane Organised Crime Investigating unit received recognition for cracking the 2009 Christmas Day Khoza/Lethabong murder cases.
The detectives who were part of team who through their commitment and dedication, arrested suspects for five counts of murder, robbery, theft and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition received detectives received monitory awards and certificates of recognition handed over by MEC Masike. The team was co-led by Provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Ntebo Mabula and Branch Commander Colonel Nick Pitsoane.
Over 400 other police officers received the star of faithful service medals for rendering loyal service to the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the joyous occasion attended by over two thousand people to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the establishment of SAPS.
“As we come to the close of Police Week, we call on members of the public to work hand in hand with the SAPS to achieve fruitful results to squeeze crime to zero. Police alone cannot win the war against crime. With this celebration we call on partnerships with our communities for an onslaught and intensified war against crime” emphasised MEC Masike.
National Police Day is an annual event declared by cabinet to signify the date and anniversary of the South African Police Service and to highlight police milestones in the fight against crime.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Fax: 018 381 9123
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
