Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
1 September 1998
The MEC for Public Safety and Security, Gauteng, Mr. Paul Mashatile has implored Community Policing Forums to mobilise the business sector into active crime prevention so as to alleviate the current acute shortage of resources in the fight against crime.
"Clearly there is still a very acute shortage of resources within the public services, especially in previously disadvantaged areas. That matter is being addressed by government, yet, it is necessary for the communities in general and the Community Policing Forums in particular to find creative ways including mobilisation of business, to help overcome some of the immediate problems," The MEC said.
"Let us not fold our arms and wait for the government to do everything. Combating crime is about strong partnership and this requires creative ways such as what the community of Benoni is doing, where business is availing resources including five vehicles to the SAPS as well as joining police reservists. This is the way to go." The MEC further said.
The MEC was addressing senior police management of the North Rand where the Area Commissioner's Office, fifteen Police Station Commissioners from the area, Heads of Special Units and the Community Police Forums were present.
"I urge the police to work earnestly in all the stations within the province to make the police stations more friendly to victims of crime, especially women and children who are affected by rape, domestic violence and abuse." The MEC emphasised.
The MEC also called on the police management to give more serious focus to issues of transformation such that the police service reflects the demographics of the societies they service.
"Transformation in the service is critical if the credibility and legitimacy of the service in the eyes of the public is to be consolidated and deepened. There is therefore a need for managers at Stations, Area and Provincial levels to are to design deliberate plans and programmes that enhance transformation." Said the MEC.
The police briefed the MEC about the crime situation and the police operations in the area. The statistics reflected that economic crimes and violent crimes were still high though the police are effecting more and more arrest and recovery of stolen property and vehicles.
The objective of the MEC's visit is to acquaint himself with the crime situation; monitor the services the police render to the communities and victims of crime; assess community / police relations and outline his vision as the new MEC for Public Safety and Security.
The MEC has already visited the Vaal and East Rand. He is yet to visit Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto and the West Rand soon.
Issued by: Ministry for Public Safety and Security, Gauteng Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi Tel: (011) 355 1800 Fax: (011) 355 1860 Cell 082 571 3591