In his determination to rid Mpumalanga of criminality, the newly appointed energetic Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Mr Vusi Shongwe has recorded success after assisting the police seize a suspected stolen vehicle and dangerous weapons during the night raids over the weekend.
Led by him, the raids were conducted by the police with the assistance of the South African National Defence Force (SADNF) at Tonga and Acornhoek policing precinct areas in the Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge municipalities respectively on Friday and Saturday nights.
While hunting down the criminals two days after his appointment, MEC Shongwe assisted the police in chasing out the under age children at the taverns saying serious action should be taken against the owners of the taverns as they did not comply with the regulations of trading liquor.
Among others firearm and a giant axe suspected for being used to break people’s houses was found during the stop and search operations. Numerous dangerous knives were also confiscated and their owners arrested.
“It does not make sense to me why people carry these weapons when they are going to enjoy themselves at the taverns. We are here to teach them a lesson that the police are a biting dog. Everyone should feel safe at their homes or at the taverns,” said MEC Shongwe.
At Acornhoek, the raids were intensified on the “no go areas for the police” and the police managed to snatch a reportedly stolen vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Acornhoek Police Station.
Some tavern revealers threw stones and beer bottles at the police vehicle and this demonstrated the impact of the MEC’s innitiative.
“We will leave no stone unturned. We will visit all the notorious areas and surprise all these criminals. There will be no place that will be acceptably be known as a ‘no go area’ for the police in this province. We will get all the illegal firearms and ensure that the liquor outlets also comply with the liquor license regulations,” said MEC Shongwe.
Speaking during a police parade before the operations, MEC Shongwe assured the police and SANDF members that he would completely support them as he recognizes the good work they are doing.
He said although his department aimed at promoting the good relationship between the police and the community, police visibility such as night raids at the taverns would decrease contact crime.
“I know that I will make foes with criminals, especially those who want to see our province being a heaven for criminals.
I will be hated even by the lazy and corrupt police officials. However, police who work hard will soon be appreciated by community members,” he said.
During the operations, many people were also arrested for public drinking and drunken driving.
Within the few days in office, the MEC has already met SAPS management to declare his commitment in fighting crime in the province and to assure that he will not only monitor them, but also to work with them and be a leader who is always in the fore front.
Shortly, he will meet all the stakeholders in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster to implement all the crime fighting strategies developed by government.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Source: Mpumalanga Safety and Security
