Members of the media we thank you for attending this press conference this afternoon. We had our quarterly meeting with councillors who are responsible for public safety.
Before we report on today’s meeting, we want to appreciate the national Cabinet’s decision yesterday of reconsidering bringing back the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to our borders.
Illegal crossings at our 500 kilometres long borderline has been a serious security threat for our country, we believe that the deployment of soldiers will go a long way towards enhancing security of borderlines.
We want to emphasise that the police officers did not fail dismally, they had many successes at our borders, however they were faced with numerous challenges in dealing with borderline security in terms of capacity.
In view of the fact that 2010 FIFA World Cup is around the corner, we are excited about the redeployment of SANDF to patrol our borders as they have necessary capacity to deal with borderline security.
Today’s meeting discussed amongst others;
* plans for the festive season
* 2010 FIFA World Cup
* analysis report on riots in the municipalities
Let me give you a brief synopsis per sub-heading
Plans for the festive season
We will increase police visibility throughout the province as certain crimes usually increase during this time of the year. We will be working jointly with municipalities to mount road blocks all over the province. Our operations are informed by previous experience that some crimes usually escalate during the festive season.
South African Police Service (SAPS) indicated during the meeting that they will beef up their operations which will vary from the deployment of quick reaction flying squad which will focus mainly on cash in transits, bank robberies. They will pay more attention on stolen vehicles, counterfeit goods, illegal immigrants, and check road worthiness of vehicles.
Other operations will vary from operation booze for non-complying liquor traders to repeated offenders. SAPS reported that last week alone, they arrested 189 people for transgress the Liquor Act.
Trading of second hand goods, stock theft, violent crime, pension pay-points and ports of entries will also receive more attention as these are regarded as generators of crime.
2010 World Cup
As a province we are ready to provide safety and security during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We however need to pre-host some soccer games at the stadium to test the readiness.
Analysis report on riots in municipalities
Service delivery protests caused Mpumalanga SAPS approximately R1,5 million to deploy personnel and the resources. SAPS management deployed at least 244 police officers, 10 nyalas and one water canon.
The riots were mainly caused by satisfaction in terms of service delivery, farm evictions, xenophobia, witchcraft and stock theft.
In order to avoid these in the near future, crime intelligence officers have been deployed on the ground.
Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen thank you for your attention.
Enquiries:
Zibonele Mncwango
Tel: 013 766 4018
Cell: 072 159 1865
Issued by: Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
19 November 2009
Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government (http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/)
