MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi has condemn the burning of the department head office by a group of individuals who on Monday morning, 20 July 2020 forcefully entered the building and set some part of it on fire. We believe this is an act of thuggery and criminality and individuals responsible must be brought to book. We welcome the swift response of the South African Police Services who have to date arrested seventeen (17) suspects.
The MEC has instructed the department to provide a detail report of the incident and the plan of the department to address the security weaknesses in the department buildings. Importantly, the MEC has further requested the department to communicate with all employees on the incident, the department expectations during this difficult period and importantly its plan to bring the situation to normal.
The department must also communicate with the public specifically its clients on how they will continue to service our people during this period. We call on our employees to remain calm and reassure them that their safety and security is important and we will ensure that before they assume duty our buildings guarantees them that safety.
MEC Mosenogi welcomes the swift response of our police as such acts of violence should never be tolerated. “The very lives of our officials were at stake and we are truly grateful that no one was hurt during this incident,” said MEC.
Furthermore, the Department’s head office building will remain closed until the SAPS have concluded the investigation, the department has addressed the security weaknesses, and it’s habitable. The MEC reiterate that no acts of violence and criminality will be tolerated and criminals should be in imprisoned where they belong.
For enquiries please contact
Departmental Spokesperson Ms Dumisa Seshabela on 079 522 7375 or Media Liaison Officer in the Office of the MEC Mr Neo Baholo on 082 975 7525
Email: dseshabela@nwpg.gov..za or nbaholo@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect
