Issued by: Ministry for Safety and Security
MEDIA RELEASE BY THE MINISTER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, SYDNEY MUFAMADI, AUGUST 5, 1996, PRETORIA
On Wednesday, August 07, 1996, I will be visiting the Western Cape Province, to discuss with the MEC for Safety and Security, Mr Gerald Morkel, and the Provincial Commissioner, Leon Wessels, regarding the situation after the incident on Sunday, August 04, 1996, in Salt River.
I have received a preliminary report from the Commissioner on the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this stage I am extremely concerned that the police have not been able to give me a satisfactory explanation for why this incident could not have been avoided. I have instructed the Commissioner to put adequate measures into place so that the situation does not escalate into uncontrollable violence.
I have also been informed by the Commissioner that on August 04, 1996, a group of individuals calling themselves People Against Gangsters and Drugs (PAGAD), fatally wounded an alleged gang leader, a Mr Staggie.
A task team has been established comprised of 20 dedicated detectives and a visible police contingent comprising of approximately 300 SAPS members has been deployed.
The provincial police plan has prioritised gangsterism ans a major problem in the Western Cape but the alleged resultant action by members of PAGAD should be condemned in the strongest possible terms It is unacceptable for any group of individuals to take law into its own hands, at the same time gangsterism in all its forms will not be tolerated by the police.
I also understand that Mr Morkel has indicated that he is unable to do anything about the problem of gangsterism because his "powers" have been taken away.
I view such a statement in as an abdication of his responsibility. MECs in other parts of the country do not fold their arms and say they are unable to do anything about problems of crime because they have no power. They regularly make requests to the SAPS who carry out these requests.
Enquiries: Mulalo Maxwell Mulaudzi 082 373 2005 Press Secretary