Yesterday afternoon, 27 August 2012, I received a letter from the National Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, requesting that I postpone the Commission of Inquiry I announced last Wednesday, 22 August, on the grounds that I had allegedly appointed the Commission "without discussing the matter with him or notifying him of my intended actions".
His comments are perplexing given that all written complaints upon which the decision to appoint a commission was founded was sent to his office, along with my request for comment on them, and indeed his office confirmed receipt of these documents in writing.
My letter to Minister Mthethwa is attached.
I remain of the opinion that the complaints in question merit investigation, especially given that at least 13 people have lost their lives as a result of mob justice, actions alleged to be a result of the inefficiency within the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Khayelitsha, and the breakdown of relations between the police and the residents in that area. Despite repeated requests since December 2011, I have received no comment on the facts or merits of the complaints from the Minister or National and Provincial Police Commissioners to date.
It is my honest opinion that the report that will be produced by the Commission in due course can only assist the SAPS in meeting any challenges they face in that area and, as such, any impact it has will be positive.
Media enquiries:Zak Mbhele, Spokesperson for Premier Helen Zille
Cell: 083 600 2349
Tel: 021 483 4584
E-mail: Zak.Mbhele@westerncape.gov.za
