Following the quick arrests of two suspects in the shooting of Glenrico Martin of Spes Bona High School, I would like to congratulate the South African Police Service (SAPS) on their swift action.
Criminals need to know that if they commit a crime they will be arrested, and more importantly they will be prosecuted. I would now like to ask SAPS to please ensure that they have all their ducks in a row, and to ensure proper investigations that result in successful prosecution.
In June last year, as part of my oversight role over the South African Police Service (SAPS) I requested information on the number of successful convictions in Hanover Park, a community not far from Athlone. The information I received was cause for serious concern.
Too often criminals are allowed to walk free as the next link in our criminal justice chain, the prosecution, fails to prove sufficient guilt.
I have already asked the senior advocates in my department, who are the members of our watching briefs team to monitor the case next week and report any shortcomings immediately.
I want gangsters to know that if they commit a crime they will pay for their crimes.
Media enquiries:
Dan Plato
Minister of Community Safety
Cell: 076 832 5505
Greg Wagner
Spokesperson for Minister Plato
Cell: 072 623 4499
