Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
GAUTENG GOVERNMENT Communications Directorate - Office of the Premier
MEDIA STATEMENT
PROTEST AGAINST THE ARREST OF 3RD SUSPECT IN NF DIECASTING SLAYINGS
The march organised in Thokoza today to protest against the arrest of a third person suspected of participating in the slaying of job seekers outside NF Diecasting in Alrode raises some serious questions.
Are the marchers who have demanded the release of this suspect really saying that such a brutal deed should go unpunished? Are they bent on undermining the work of the police in bringing the killers to justice?
This Ministry will not be pressurised into negotiations on the release of the suspect. We believe that solving this outrageous crime is a clear policing matter. Any attempt to interfere with their efforts from a political level would be totally improper.
We are appealing to all members of the Thokoza area to support the police, rather than hinder them, in their attempts to unmask the perpetrators of the Alrode massacre. We owe it to the families of the deceased and those who were injured in the attack to see that justice is done.
Any attempt to obstruct the investigation or to interfere with or intimidate witnesses will be dealt with decisively. Informants are reminded that they can be protected under the witness protection scheme run by the Department of Justice. Their identities as potential witnesses will not be divulged while their applications for protection are being considered.
Jessie Duarte MEC for Safety and Security
February 19 1996