23 December 2006
Mpumalanga Safety and Security MEC Dina Pule is shocked and outraged by the
callous and senseless murder of the Pillay family members of Valencia, who died
when a grenade was thrown into their bedroom. MEC Pule condemns in the
strongest possible terms the despicable actions of these thugs.
The Pillays were sleeping when a hand grenade was thrown into their room
through the window. Mrs Patricia Pillay and her niece Yetska Pillay died on
impact whilst Ms Daphne Pillay sustained injuries and is recuperating in a
Nelspruit Hospital.
The MEC encourages members of the community to come forward with information
that can lead to the arrest of the criminals. Efforts to fight crime in the
precinct will be intensified in the coming months.
Community involvement in crime prevention will also be intensified through
the establishment of Community Safety Forums in the area, and the full
implementation of Sector Policing. Security volunteers have been deployed in
the Nelspruit Central Business District (CBD) to assist the police in
patrolling unsafe spots.
MEC Pule is confident that the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit under Captain
Ockie Britz will crack the case in no time. Mpumalanga has turned around the
resolution of violent crimes such as robbery and murder; suspects have been
arrested within a month in 80 percent of the cases.
Members of the community are encouraged to report crime and those who
possess illegal weapons. The MEC passes her heartfelt condolences to the Pillay
family and wishes Daphne Pillay a speedy recovery. No stone will be left
unturned to bring the perpetrators to book. They will face the full might of
the law.
For more information contact:
Putsoa Makua
Cell: 083 555 6152 or 082 822 3141
Issued by: Department of Safety and Security, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
23 December 2006
