The South African Police Service (SAPS) is concerned with the violence that is taking place in the Rustenburg mining environment and every effort is being made to apprehend the perpetrators.
Contrary to comments in the media by various quarters alleging the lack of progress in the investigations into these crimes, investigators are conducting thorough investigations and making steady progress. Communities are assured that all investigations are conducted in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act and related regulatory frameworks.
Any individual or party that has information which could assist in the investigation of these crimes is urged to come forward and provide information which would give impetus to the investigations and lead to the arrests of the perpetrators.
The fact that the SAPS is not conducting its investigations via the media does not automatically mean that it is not executing its responsibilities in terms of set standards. There has been a dedicated task team under the leadership of a Senior Commander who has focussed on these investigations, and each case is being handled in terms of its unique facts in co-operation with the National Prosecuting Authority.
All information which is provided to the police also needs to meet the requirements of the Legal Framework so as to be admissible as evidence. It is therefore unfortunate that parties related to the incidents prefer to comment broadly in the media on matters of investigation rather than assist the police investigations into the matter.
The SAPS has met most role players in the mining conflict and has received various assurances of co-operation in police investigations. The SAPS will continue to welcome and meet any party who may contribute to the prevention and investigation of crime thus ensuring public safety.
Enquiries:
Cell: 082 828 5773
South African Police Service (SAPS) Detectives are comprehensively investigating all crimes related to the mining industry
