Citizens will no longer walk long distances to report any criminal activity
The newly-opened Jouberton police station must become a true servant of the citizens to ensure that it implements the Batho Pele (People First) principles; to ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens.The treatment police give to people who visit police station in search of some help, must leave behind positive and lasting impressions.
This is the view of the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa during the official opening of this police station today. He emphasized that the construction of this police station on the part of government, is an affirmation that government heard the citizens’ concerns and has now responded accordingly.
“This Jouberton community, like many others in the country had been excluded from receiving basic services in the past.This exclusion included having to travel long distances to report crime.The construction of the Jouberton police station this morning makes a categorical statement that no longer would we allow this community to walk long distances to lodge a complaint or report any criminal activity.”
Minister Mthethwa further shared with the community that he has now commenced a programme of interacting with SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units throughout the country. “We are undertaking this process to help understand the challenges that this crucial unit is facing on the daily basis as they execute their duties. As the police leadership, we announced the reintroduction of the FCS Units last year in Parliament.”
These interactions are aimed at helping improve the ability of the SAPS to offer specialised investigations to women and children victims of crime. These engagements coincide with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, which generates awareness of the impact of violence on women, children and society as a whole.
“This is not a police station that belongs to the Minister of Police or the management of police.It is a property of the people of Jouberton. It is in your hands. The success or failure of this structure is dependent upon all law-abiding citizens of this community,” added the Minister.
The Minister also had an instruction to the management of the police in North West. “Our message as the leadership of police is simple: deliver. Serve these communities with respect, respond to their calls on time and ensure that you become a pain to the criminals.We hold a view that for as long as we have the streets of Jouberton are infested with drug lords, police must not rest.Parents must not rest. Communities must not rest.”
He equally challenged the residents to play their oversight and monitoring role to the police.“As the residents, keep an eye on the performance of the police officers here. By so saying we do not imply that you must destructively criticise them, where they are lacking in service delivery, please feel free to bring this to the Office of the Minister. You can do this directly with me. Equally, in areas where they are performing well, we would expect you to give them a pat on the back and do tell these successes.”
The opening of the Jouberton police station, according to Minister Mthethwa, must send a warning to the local criminals who have been terrorising the Jouberton community. “Our message to these criminals is clear: the party is over now. I have instructed the police to ensure that they harden their approach in their fight against criminals because we do not negotiate with criminals, the only language we can engage them in, is through arrest and punishment. But arresting criminals is not enough; we now want more convictions and prosecutions,” he concluded.
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024
