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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng welcomes the allocation of additional resources to assist the under-resourced Olievenhoutbosch SAPS following negotiations and requests by the DA to the Gauteng provincial SAPS.

Residents of Olievenhoutbosch and Knoppieslaagte communities will finally have a sigh of relief knowing that there will be high police visibility and public order policing officers amidst the recent volatility and violence due to the unlawful land grabs.

A court order has been granted to the local community and private landowners, which gives them the mandate to proceed with evictions. The role of the police is to ensure that everyone's safety is prioritised during the eviction.

The DA has consulted the following: Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, Tshwane MMC for Community Safety, Grandi Theunisen, Olievenhoutbosch SAPS station commander, Gauteng Provincial SAPS Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, and the District Commander to request additional support and resources to assist the under-resourced Olievenhoutbosch Police Station.

Additional public order policing and resources have been deployed from across the province to curb crime and ensure the safety of the residents.

It is through these collaborative efforts where we can work together to ensure that the safety and security of a community is prioritised

During a recent visit to the station, the DA discovered that the station is confident that they have a detailed operational plan in place to ensure the safety of the community. The station also has adequate resources to monitor the area and its surroundings to prevent further hostility, violence, or attacks on the community.

The property rights of the private landowners, as enshrined in the constitution, must be upheld and protected. The DA will continue to monitor the situation and engage the local stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to provide support when needed.

The situation remains volatile but is currently calm. The DA appeals to the community members not to take matters into their own hands and to refrain from fearmongering, remain calm but vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately.

In addition, the DA has written to the Tshwane Speaker to request a progress report regarding its official complaint against the EFF Councillor Godwin Ratikwane for a breach of the councillor's code of conduct and incitement of trespassing and unlawful occupation of the privately owned property within the area.

Issued by Crezane Bosch MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety