Issued by: Ministry of Justice
PRESS STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, DR AM OMAR, REGARDING INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE VIOLENCE IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Minister of Justice, Dullah Omar, this morning met with Minister of Safety and Security, Minister Mufamadi and Deputy Minister for Intelligence Services, Mr Joe Nhlanhla.
Discussions centred around the crime situation in South Africa generally, better co-ordination between the different role players to deal effectively with serious crime and also the current wave of violence in the Western Cape.
Minister Omar informed Minister Mufamadi of the latest allegations of Third Force activity and in particular the allegation that prisoners have been used to perpetrate violent acts. The allegation in this regard is that prisoners were released from prison at night to perpetrate violence on special targets. After the act they would return to prison.
Minister Omar informed the meeting that these are untested allegations, the truth of which have not yet been established. The allegations are serious enough to warrant urgent investigation and action.
Minister Mufamadi undertook to look into the matter immediately and to take steps to initiate an investigation. The investigation would cover the current spate of violence in the Western Cape generally as well. Minister Mufamadi will announce steps on which he has decided.
Issued by Paul Setsetse on behlf of Dr AM Omar, Minister of Justice Tel: 021-457607 Cell: 083 252 4770