Date: 12/10/2005
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Title:Cachalia: Death of Eldorado Park girl


Statement by the MEC for Community Safety in Gauteng, Mr Firoz Cachalia

Following the tragic death of 6–year-old Gharoenisha Michaela Ganghi, from Eldorado Park Ext. 2 and the events that followed MEC Cachalia visited Eldorado Park. “I thought it was important for me to visit and respond to the pain that the community is experiencing and the anxieties and questions the community might have. I also went to Eldorado Park to establish the facts on what happened and to also work out with the community the constructive role the department could play taking the community forward.

I met with the Station Commissioner, Senior Superintendent Galeboe Masaola, thereafter I met with leaders from various community based organisations. There were representatives from the Local Council, Community Development Workers, CPF members, and leaders of faith communities. After the meeting I visited the family accompanied by Imam Diedericks from the Islamic community; Rev Marcus Jacobs and Pastor Chester Ramalaine from the Christian faith; the local councilor, Councilor Wally Botha and members of the sector crime forum for Extension 2. I also addressed a small group of people that gathered around the house once they became aware of my presence.

After my engagement with both the community structures and Gharoenisha’s family it became clear to me that when the matter was initially reported, police officers on duty made a serious error by turning the family away. This has been acknowledged by South African Police Service (SAPS) in its press release.

The indication that was given that the family should come back in 24 hours was contrary to the existing policy. The National Instruction on missing persons specifically says “A time period before someone can be reported missing or before the police can begin investigating does not exist” (Guidelines: Bureau for missing persons, 1.1).

The failure to implement a national policy at station level in this case maybe an indication of a more general failure to respond appropriately on reports of missing persons and in particular reports involving children. I have asked the Provincial Commissioner to review the existing policy framework with a view to identifying more clearly each step that must be followed in the process of responding to a report on missing persons, particularly children, and to ensure that the instruction in this regard which he will issue is properly understood and implemented at station level. My department will work with the Provincial Commissioner and Area Commissioners to improve the response at station level to reports of missing persons.

It was also clear that after this initial lapse the police did everything possible to assist the family. I am informed that:

* At 10pm, two police officers in a van, Inspector Mashilo and Sergeant Ramashapa, were dispatched to the scene,
* 10111 was contacted to assist because the lighting was not adequate, 10111 contacted the fire station to go and assist with lighting,
* The dog unit was also dispatched to the scene at about 11pm,
* The unit requested a helicopter which arrived just after midnight
* The road rescue unit was also sent to the scene to assist with search.

I must also point out that officials in my department had been present in the community since Friday, 7 October, to support the family and the community. They have also been present in Eldorado Park over a period of time to work with both the station management and community policing structures to strengthen such structures; improve service delivery; and to reduce crime levels.

I am satisfied that from about 10pm the SAPS took the steps that were necessary in the circumstances. This view is shared by the grandfather, Mr Pieter Lee, who asked me during my visit to convey his appreciation to the police service. It is in the public interest that this matter should be placed on record, since some initial reports focused only on policing lapses.

I must reaffirm that the failure to respond immediately will be investigated and where necessary appropriate action will be taken.

It is also clear that the issue of protection of children is not just a policing matter. Parental supervision is obviously vital, communities also need to be vigilant. Recent events also demonstrate that educators and school principals have to be more aware and proactive. I have asked the Head of my department to coordinate more closely with her counterpart in education to strengthen programs aimed at improving school safety.

I must also refer to events on Saturday, 8 October 2005.In our democratic society people enjoy a constitutionally protected right of peaceful protest. The police are required to observe these rights and to act within the framework of the law in exercising their duty to maintain civil peace. I encourage people to rely on their democratic freedoms in expressing their views, concerns, and grievances. I must emphasise however that the police have a duty to suppress violent protest, which includes the use of necessary force. All conduct on the day, whether on the part of protesters or on the part of the police inconsistent with these ground rules is unacceptable.

I appeal to the community to continue their support to the Ganchi family and to remain calm whilst the police do their work to identify and arrest the perpetrator of this heinous crime. You have my assurance that this matter will receive the attention that it deserves.

This statement is issued with support of Pastor Marcus Jacobs, Religious Leader and Vice Chair of the CPF; Imam Dedrieks, religious leader from the Islamic Community; Pastor Chester Ramalaine; Councilor Wally Botha, Councilor for ward 18; and Community Development Worker Lorraine Louw.

For more information contact: Phumla Mthala
Tel: (011) 689 3633
Cell: 082 909 3708

Issued by: Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Provincial Government
12 October 2005