MEC Vusi Shongwe for the Department of Safety, Security and Liaison in Mpumalanga has condemned the attack of people including E-TV journalists by Wesselton protesters.
Shongwe was speaking after community members went on rampage on Tuesday and damaged property belonging to the state and also attacking reporters who were covering the protests. In the process, E-TV’s equipments were damaged.
He said that all citizens of the Republic have rights including the right by the media to collect news and broadcast them to the nation, therefore the attacks were unnecessary and perpetuated by people who are pursuing criminal activities.
He reiterated that whatever problems the community has, damaging property and attacking people will not help in the course towards enhanced service delivery, and warned that the police will keep on monitoring the situation in order to arrest those who are breaking the law.
He commended the police in the manner they are handling the situation in Wesselton and called on the community members to refrain from committing crime while protesting.
Meanwhile, Shongwe said that as part of eradicating crime in Mpumalanga, he will continue to support the operations of the police in the province.
He said he will continue to be at the forefront of crime prevention initiatives in the province even if some few individuals with narrow political interests are opposed to some of the police operations.
The MEC’s statement came after allegations were published on the media that some people are opposed to constant raiding of the taverns by the police who are ensuring compliance among liquor traders.
Shongwe said that it was about time for people to rise above their own narrow political interests and work with the police to create safer communities.
"Crime affects us all, let us all join hands, let us put political ideologies aside and assist the government and the police to make Mpumalanga one of the safest provinces," said Shongwe.
The MEC explained that crime was a national priority and the raiding of taverns was announced by the national government in order to eradicate crime. He said that the purpose of these operations particularly at the liquor outlets is to monitor compliance of these establishments in relation to their licensing requirements and to seize any dangerous weapons, drugs and other illegal items from people who frequent these places.
He said his department remained mindful of human rights of the people who are found at these establishments and police will not deliberately infringe on those rights.
He called on those who claim otherwise to make use of structures such as the Independent Complaints Directorate and the Office of the Provincial Commissioner to report cases of abuse by police.
Shongwe said that although there are those who are complaining, the general indications are that people are happy about the enhanced visibility of police in the residential areas and strong indications are that crime will be reduced.
He said some communities are even calling for more raids at taverns to ensure compliance in the liquor industry. “This will in a long run eradicate crime in the province,” concluded Shongwe.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Source: Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
