Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
MEDIA STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MEC FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IN GAUTENG
RESPONSE TO SAPA ARTICLE ON POLICE CONDUCT: 11 JANUARY 1996
It is unfortunate that a confidential letter sent to the Provincial Commissioner from this office has been leaked to the media.
But what is even more unfortunate is the fact that the letter has been portrayed as blaming the police for particular problems which exist.
The MEC is not "blaming" anyone. Her letter was sent to Commissioner Maharaj to ensure that the police do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of the people of Gauteng. The letter was sent to ensure that visible policing is provided where necessary in the province, and out of concern that the existing police action plans did not provide for this.
Since the letter was sent, the MEC has discussed her concerns with the Commissioner.
It is also worth emphasising the points made by the MEC at her media briefing this morning, where she specifically discussed the need for effective delivery by the police. The MEC said, in a statement made available to SAPA and other media: "This is undoubtedly the year where the Gauteng Minister of Safety & Security will aggressively assert its role to monitor the service delivery of the police.
"To this end, the MEC or officials of the department will conduct visits to all police stations in Gauteng. These visits are aimed at inspecting the rate of service delivery of the SAPS.
"Two such visits have already been conducted and the MEC had made recommendations to the Commissioner on ways of improving the service through reprioritising human and logistical resources."
Issued by: Chris Vick, Communications Director, Gauteng Telephone (011) 2401641 Pager (011) 4571111 code 7320
17h30, Thursday 11 January 1996