Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has defended the South African Police Service’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) from angry community saying that most people especially the adults were generally happy with the work of the unit.
Speaking at a house handing-over ceremony in Matsulu out of Nelspruit yesterday, 11 May 2011, Shongwe said it was mostly the people who were always on the wrong side of the law who complained about the unit.
There have been general complaints about the unit that it is brutal in dealing with people. Complaints varied from assaults to forcing people to do extensive physical exercises.
He said it was also the youth who spent time at the taverns and liquor outlets which did not adhere to liquor licenses ‘regulations.
He said the unit had contributed in reducing crime in Mpumalanga especially in areas regarded as the crime hot spots.
Shongwe further explained that instead of pointing fingers at the unit, the community should instead be working hand- in-hand with the police.
The unit was introduced to enhance South African Police Service (SAPS) to be better equipped to respond to dangerous situations that could require tactical response.
He explained that the unit only used maximum force when met with resistance from the people.
“The police will continue to raid taverns and other illegal liquor outlets because that is where most wrong things take place and even where crime is committed and where criminals hide,” said Shongwe.
Shongwe called on those who had complaints against the police to come forward and report to their superiors instead of painting a negative picture about all police officers.
A two bed-roomed house worth well-over R130 000 was handed over to a cancer victim mother of six children Ms Funeka Sambo. It had been donated by a self-emerging contractor in honour of his late brother who died of prostate cancer.
The house has an open plan sitting room with a kitchen, shower and a built-in toilet and is just opposite the mud-house where Ms Sambo had been living.
“This is what we mean as government when we say working together we can do more for our country. People should not wait for government plans and budgets; let them assist where they can.
“This is a life changing donation, and we are calling on other business people to meet government where they can in bringing a better life to our people,” said Shongwe.
He subsequently paid tribute to the contractor Mr Sipho Busani of Masibambane Construction for building a house saying he was a good “comrade” who wanted to share his wealth with the less fortunate.
Meanwhile, Busane said his challenges while building the house was that there was no water around although the mud-house had been electrified.
“We cannot blame our government for what many call a slow delivery of services, communities have complex challenges and the population is growing day-by-day,” said Busane.
He has moreover donated a 2.500 litre water-tank in order for Sambo to have access to clean water and be able to utilise her built-in bath room.
Shongwe’s pleas did not fall on deaf ears as some businessmen and individuals who attended the ceremony immediately pledged to assist the Sambo family with furniture and groceries.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government
