21 SEPTEMBER 1999
Madam Speaker, the murder of the Zimbabwe Vice Consul Mr Madzorera Meki is a tragic and unfortunate incident. The Gauteng Provincial Government condemns this barbaric act and will do everything in its power to ensure that the criminals are brought to book. Tempting as it may be, I call on all political parties not to reduce Mr Meki's death to an item for political point scoring. This includes honourable Leon who predictably, has chosen to use this tragic event to paint an inaccurate and negative picture of the whole of Gauteng.
The provincial government, remains committed to working with business, trade unions and citizens to prevent crime, to arrest those who terrorise communities including women and children, to ensure successful prosecution of criminals and to keep them in jai l for a long time.
Arising out of a meeting with heads of all criminal justice institutions in Gauteng including judge president Ngoepe and his deputy, Judge Fleming, a team led by MEC Mokonyane, is beefing up plans for an integrated strategy on crime, which combines prevention, detective work, investigation, prosecution and effective policing. Together with the national government we are committed to strengthening the capacity of all law enforcement agencies.
Just this weekend, one of the suspects in Mr Meki's death was arrested with the help of the community. There is a simple explanation for the new confidence by the community in the police. They have been successful in apprehending criminals. We commend the police and the community on their effort at curbing crime.
Since 18 June 1999, the police have embarked upon various operations including roadblocks throughout the Province. The number of arrests have sharply increased, detective work and intelligence have helped us to bust key syndicate leaders ranging from those involved in forgery of currencies, car thefts, hijackings, armed robbery and crimes against women and children.
We will continue to do so regardless of the views of the Democratic Party, which are not reflective of those of communities where these arrests are taking place.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has made significant strides in its battle against crime in the province. Information provided by the department of Safety and Liaison indicate that operations carried out since the June elections have been successful. The se operations were carried out in different regions, including Soweto, Pretoria, Vaal, North Rand, East Rand and Johannesburg. Of the vehicles that were reported stolen and/or hijacked, 2373 have been recovered, while 2473 firearms were seized in the process. It is further revealed that 21333 arrests have been made during these operations.
Operation Leopard, which was a joint operation between the National Department of Safety and Security and the Gauteng Illegal Firearm Investigation Unit, led to the seizure of 276 firearms and 51063 ammunition during the same period. An amount of R3 527 28 2 of the money stolen during bank robberies, cash-in-transit and other attempts has also been recovered.
The Highway Patrol Unit has recovered 203 vehicles to the value of R19 887 000.
We will continue with these and other operations so that we leave no stone unturned in our relentless battle against crime. Such success over a period of three months indicates that indeed we are on course. We appreciate the days and nights spent by member s of our law enforcement agencies and assure them that we will continue to give them our utmost support in these endeavours.
A positive element during these operations has been the co-operation by community members. Crime is a societal problem and it is members of society who can successfully remove it from the daily experiences of our lives. We urge all communities to continue to build and strengthen community police fora. We encourage this support from members of the community. This should send a strong message to criminals that they cannot win any battle faced by both the democratic government and the nation as a whole.
Once more, I wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have lost their beloved ones, including the people of Zimbabwe.
As regards the appointment of Area Commissioners, as part of our commitment to capacitate the police service, we have completed interviews for the Area Commissioner of Johannesburg. The short-listing process for the appointment of the Area Commissioners of the North Rand and the West Rand started today (21 September 1999). We are hoping to have the full team at work by the end of November 1999.
Issued by Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government