Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
25 August, 1998
The MEC for Public Safety and Security, Gauteng, Mr. Paul Mashatile has urged the police to prioritise the crimes by improving the investigative capacity, enhancing victim - support and empowerment programmes as well as allocation of more resources.
"I implore the police to expand services for women victims to all the areas, especially the previously disadvantaged communities. Crimes against women and children are a serious scourge haunting the province and the country which must be prioritised. These crimes must be fought and reduced as a matter of urgency and I implore the police, the Community Policing Forums and the Community - Based - Organisations to work together in fighting this menace." the MEC said.
The Community and the police have established three rape crisis centres in Springs, Boksburg and Kathorus to help victims of rape and other violent crimes perpetrated against women and children in the East Rand.
"I commend these initiatives and urge you to work even harder to make sure that all communities are given proper services." The MEC further said.
The MEC said this during the visit to the East Rand this morning where he addressed senior police management, 29 Community Policing Forums as well as Non-Governmental Organisations.
The MEC also said that the Department is almost complete with its restructuring programme and has identified four priorities in which capacity is being built, viz.:
a. Monitoring police effectiveness and efficiency in combating crime
b. Coordinating Social Crime prevention
c. Building strong Community/Police relations and
d. The establishment of Metropolitan Policing
The visit to the East Rand is part of the MEC's programme to take stock of the crime situation and the police effectiveness and efficiency in addressing it.
Meanwhile the MEC will host a function for widows, widowers and orphans of the SAPS at the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Council tomorrow at 10:00.
The Department of Safety and Security expected to make a substantial donation as well as Business, Mayors, etc.
Issued by: Ministry for Public Safety and Security, Gauteng
Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi and Delca Maluleka
Tel: (011) 355 1800
Fax: (011) 3555 1860
Cell: 082 571 3591 or 083 731 3313