A well respected man, a husband, father and street committee member has paid the highest price in the protection of the constitutional rights of everybody to live, work and play in a safe environment.
Mr Naidoo, was bound to a wheelchair, but was committed to police the very streets where criminals ran riot. His death was untimely, but his message to the people of Mitchells Plain is on time.
Though the Mitchells Plain community and the province lost a hero, we gained the inspiration to re-commit ourselves in the collective fight against crime. This is not the first memorial service for a member of the community stolen by the callous acts of criminals. It may certainly not be the last.
But, the people of Mitchells Plain want to let go of the burden of being labelled as a drug and gang ridden community.
Whilst this remark remains contentious, the media do report that great successes are made by the Mitchells Plain police, in partnership with the community, against drug lords and gangsters. Confiscation of illegal drugs and arrests take place with valuable information obtained from the community.
Ladies and gentlemen
As Minister for Community Safety, I can assure you that the people of Mitchells Plain are fighting back. But, the fight against crime is far from over. When people rightfully ask me how we can end crime in our communities, I will respond by asking: Where is the fire or the fight in your heart?
Ladies and gentlemen
This fire is present when communities continues to insist that corrupt police officers at police stations be criminally charged, When husbands and wives strive to be better parents (and not through violence) and aim to ensure a safe environment for their children. When we pull our children from the streets and involve them in various upliftment projects and when we strive daily to improve our life by educating ourselves and try to live an honest life according to good values and norms.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the firepower of Mitchells Plain and all other communities. This is how they are fighting back.
Ladies and gentlemen
A community that has lost its fire and passion to tackle the obstacles and threats to its safety and existence is in danger of falling apart. The late Mr Naidoo was a beacon of hope during the many nights that he kept vigil.
He had the burning desire, the passion, in his heart, to confront these things, his life and his community that make people so corrupt that they will take the life of another.
I salute Mr Naidoo, for his bravery and commitment to help turn the tide of crime. I call on all members of the community, of the CPF’s, neighbourhood watches and street committee, Let today be a start to dedicate our time and energy to end the legacy of crime in our communities.
I will continue to ensure that the people of Mitchells Plain receive police services of excellent quality and that the training of CPF’s and neighbourhood watches here continues.
Let us fight back not only against crime in our community, but also the criminal intentions in our hearts (crime prevention), because that is where
Enquiries:
Julian Jansen
Tel: 021 483 3873
Fax: 021 483 3874
Cell: 082 726 9334
