South African Police Services to boost the capacity of initiation monitoring teams
The South African Police Services (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape Province has put in place an Operational Plan to boost the capacity of the Initiation Monitoring Teams (IMT) throughout the province. Addressing the Initiation Planning Meeting (IPM) at the Zwelitsha SAPS Head Quarters this week, Provincial Commissioner Lt General Celiwe Binta said the plan will be implemented through the SAPS Clusters “to ensure visibility and effective monitoring support on the ground.”
The planning meeting was attended by Cluster Commanders, officials from crime detection and intelligence services as well as officials from the department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
“We have received reports that there are scoundrels out there who are a hindrance to the safe passage of our boys to manhood. Our plan will include crime detection and arrest that should lead to successful prosecutions. Our support seeks to guarantee zero deaths from this season going forward. We do not want to disappoint our political and traditional leaders, provincially and nationally,” said Commissioner Binta.
She added that SAPS members will be integrated in the monitoring teams as station levels and be part of safety roadshows. In that process we will observe and respect the rituals and traditions of the different areas. The meeting heard that dehydration is one of the main causes of initiate deaths hence the need to encourage traditional nurses and other key role players in the initiation schools to make water available to the initiates according to the prescribed quantities.The SAPS will activate its Joint Operations Centre (JOC) in the Zwelitsha as part of monitoring the initiation season, mitigate risks and deploy resources appropriately to save lives.
Enquiries:
Mamnkeli Ngam
Cell: 0716857981
Colonel Sibongile Soci
SAPS
Cell: 079 525 0464
