The Ministry of Police and Solidarity Movement have committed each other to strengthening relations, cooperation and continuous engagements aimed at fighting and reducing crime in South Africa.
This emerged during a meeting between the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa and representatives from the Solidarity Movement in Pretoria this afternoon. The three key issues, as put on the table by Solidarity were government’s call to get involved in community policing forums, pending affirmative action cases against the South African Police Service (SAPS) as well as allegations that certain political statements and songs incite crime.
General Secretary of Solidarity and Chairman of AfriForum, Mr Flip Buys expressed appreciation for this meeting. “We took notice of President Zuma’s call on communities to join forces with the SAPS and to become involved in community-based solutions. Our desired outcome is for the Solidarity Movement and the SAPS to create an open relationship in order to simplify the creation of joint structures between communities and the SAPS.”
Minister Mthethwa equally welcomed Solidarity’s open engagement and an expression of the union’s commitment and willingness to mobilize their structures to get involved in the fight against crime. To this end, he highlighted that the Ministry is in the process of finalizing its strategy to strengthen the community safety forums (CSF). The CSFs will extend to beyond police and community participation, but include youth structures, business, justice and correctional departments. We need to reflect the diversity of our CSFs because crime cuts across all racial and socio-economic status.
In relation to the issues raised by Solidarity concerning certain political statements attributed to inciting violence and crime, the Minister pointed that the Ministry will not engage on such matters. He cautioned against utilizing the Ministry to solve political utterances and differences. “We will not engage in any political turfs but remain steadfast and committed to fighting crime, that is our mandate.”
“Police must and will deal with crime, irrespective of whoever is involved. If anyone alleges or has witnessed criminal acts, they must report these to the police stations. Police in turn, have a duty to investigate and ensure those involved are brought to book,” added the Minister.
He stressed that on the occasion when he addressed the AgriSA conference two weeks ago, he appealed to trade union representatives as well as political parties not to politicize these farm killings unnecessarily. “We remain steadfast that farm murders must be thoroughly and objectively investigated by police, to ensure that perpetrators are accordingly arrested and punished.”
On issue of various affirmative action cases levelled against the Department by Solidarity, the Ministry takes a precautionary stance that the Minister will not interfere with the legal process as these are operational and departmental matters. Solidarity is currently involved in nine affirmative action cases against the SAPS, which include widely-reported Captain Renate Barnard’s case, the reenlistment of former members.
To this end it was agreed that SAPS, through a representative from the legal division who was present at the meeting, will engage Solidarity legal teams further to ensure a solution is reached. Strict deadlines were also agreed upon and efforts will be made to ensure they are adhered to.
Solidarity proposed a crime conference in due course around community safety to help highlight the importance of community safety in the fight against crime. The Minister gladly welcomed the proposal and will address the gathering. As government we commit ourselves to fighting crime in whatever form it manifest itself in our society.
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi, Ministerial Spokesperson
Cell: 082 045 4024
Issued by: Ministry of Police
7 April 2010
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