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Mpumalanga businesses pledge support to government

3 December 2010 

Mpumalanga businesses has assured the Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe that they will work together with the department and the police to make sure that crime is eradicated in the province.

Various business people representing several companies in the Ehlanzeni District announced that they will provide support to the department including items such as motor bikes to enhance the work of community policing structures. 

The business people said this during a meeting that was held in Nelspruit today, 3 December 2010. 

The purpose of the meeting was for the MEC to interact with the business sector in an effort to establish mutual understanding regarding crime prevention initiatives as part of the Overall Friday Campaign of the department. 

The Overall Friday initiative seeks to drive managers within the department and South African Police Services to be always outside their offices, working in crime infested areas within the province in order to make a big dent in criminality. 

The campaign also assist the police to increase their visibility in communities, and through it,  police stations are visited, road blocks are conducted, raiding of taverns, shebeens and suspicious premises is also done and support to parcels to poor families and victim support centers is also provided..

The business people pleaded with the MEC that police visibility should be sustained not only during busy holidays like festive season and Easter holidays to ensure that their businesses are always protected.

Some of the business people complained about white collar crime which includes corruption and bribery in government saying that this prevented them from providing services to government.

Meanwhile the MEC Vusi Shongwe has urged the business community who were present to continue making sure that the province host incident free and successful events.

He told the business people that it was not the responsibility of government only to fight crime but the business sector could also play a crucial role as crime also affect the economy of the country.

Shongwe added that there are businesses who are already donating to assist the police and community policing structures to perform their duties. 

He warned them not to allow criminals to use or rent their buildings to sell stolen and illegal goods. 

Shongwe also appealed with the Taxi industry to make sure that their taxis are not used for transportation of illegal and stolen goods or as get away vehicles for wanted crime suspects. 

He said that those who assist criminals will face the full might of the law and he will ensure that those criminals receive maximum sentences.

He said that some of the business people who were present made commitments that they will come up with a presentation in the beginning of next year to assist the department and the police in the fight against crime.

Enquiries:

Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450

Issued by: Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison


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