DELEGATION DISCUSS CRIME SITUATION IN GAUTENG

Issued by: Ministry for Safety and Security

News release by the Minister for Safety and Security issued in Pretoria on October 17,1995.

The Minister for Safety and Security, Mr Sydney Mufamadi, MEC for Safety and Security, Ms Jessie Duarte and senior police officials today met a delegation from the Democratic Party (DP) led by Douglas Gibson (MP), to discuss the crime situation in the Gauteng Province.

In his remarks the Minister reiterated his oft repeated position that he welcomes constructive discussion and input with any political party which is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

Referring to the present election campaign, he cautioned against proposals which could have the effect of complicating the task of the police by fuelling over-reaction to the present crime situation.

Minister Mufamadi informed the delegation that the department of Safety and Security has targeted car theft and hijacking as crimes which require priority attention. Since the Community Safety Plan has been launched there has been a decline of serious crime like murder and armed robbery. However, car hijacking and rape continue to be on the increase in the Gauteng Province.

This has necessitated an adaption of methods that are being applied and a introduction of additional measures directed at vehicle hijackings.

Senior Police officers briefed the delegation about measures being introduced inter alia:

• The department of Safety and Security in the Gauteng has negotiated with a vehicle manufacturing company for an additional 100 cars to be made available for patrol purposes to increase the capacity of police to patrol hijack hot spots;
• Additional intelligence personnel will be deployed in Gauteng to strengthen efforts to track known criminals;
• Police will be deployed from Unit 19 (Internal Stability Unit) to intensify high density operations like search and seizure and the setting up of roadblocks;
• Additional police contact points are in a process of being established to enhance police visibility and accessibility.

The DP submitted a memorandum which places emphasis on vehicle highjackings in the Gauteng Province. The Minister undertook to consider their submissions and to respond to their proposals soon. It was agreed that the DP will further discuss some of the proposals with the MEC for Safety and Security, Jessie Duarte, and the Provincial Commissioner General Maharaj.