Date: 06/08/2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Van Schalkwyk: Welcoming new Western Cape police commissioner


EXTRACT FROM SPEECH BY THE WESTERN CAPE PREMIER, MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK, WELCOMING THE NEWLY ANNOUNCED WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL POLICE COMMISSIONER, Wynberg Military Base, 6 August 2003

PREMIER OUTLINES DUAL CHALLENGE FOR NEW POLICE COMMISSIONER

Master of Ceremonies,
National Minister for Safety and Security, Minister Nqakula
Provincial MEC for Community Safety, Minister Ramatlakane
Deputy National Police Commissioner, Commissioner Pruis
Provincial Commissioner, Commissioner Petros
Deputy Provincial Commissioners,
Senior Officers,
Honoured guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen

The vision of the South African Police Service is to create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa. This vision and the National Constitution together place a difficult, and dangerous responsibility on the shoulders of our policemen and women at all levels in the country * from the National Commissioner to the most junior officer. It is a responsibility which speaks to the most fundamental needs of our people and in the Western Cape it is a charge which will now be led by Commissioner Petros.

Ndivuyisana noMkomishinala uPetros, ngokuqeshwa kwakhe kwesi sikhundla, njengomkomishinala weNtshona Koloni. Iya kuba nguye ophambili ekulweni ulwaphulo-mthetho.

Our Provincial Government has great confidence in Commissioner Petros' abilities demonstrated over a distinguished career in the police service in the Western Cape. His background in crime intelligence, his experience as a key player in the fight against urban terror, his understanding and training in conflict resolution and public management all combine to make him a highly qualified and respected officer, worthy of this challenge.

During the course of our Provincial Imbizos across the Province last month, it was made clear to our Provincial Cabinet by every community in the Western Cape that the police face two main tasks in this province. The first and most apparent is to bring crime and violence especially through organised crime and gangs under control. This is already being addressed by the deployment of 6000 new police in the Western Cape before the end of next year. The second challenge as important to the people of the Cape is the restoration and deepening of public trust in the police. Time and again we have received the message from the communities of the Western Cape that more police will mean little if the new recruits fail to serve the people, choosing instead to enrich themselves.

Commissioner Petros, our Provincial Government and the people of the Western Cape have set the bar for your success your priorities must be both to win back the streets from the criminals and to win over the hearts and minds of our people. No more can we afford a police service in the Western Cape divided by individuals more concerned with personal agendas than with public safety. No longer can greed or fear undermine the vision and mission of our police. This is your greatest challenge and it is one in which you will have our total support.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Deputy National Police Commissioner Pruis for the fine work he has done as caretaker Provincial Commissioner. Under his firm hand, Operation Tswikila has already put a serious dent in Western Cape crime, and he has also done much to restore stability to the SAPS in the province.

To our new Provincial Commissioner and to every officer and reservist in the Western Cape SAPS the Government and people of the province are behind you every step of the way.

Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp on 083-778-9923
Issued by Western Cape Provincial Government
6 August 2003