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MEC Shongwe slam lazy police officers  

08 March 2013

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe insist that policing should be a calling and not just an employment opportunity, therefore it requires dedicated and hardworking officers.

He told police officers during the Police Day celebration held on Wednesday at Mbombela Stadium. The event forms part of the annual activities held all over the country by the South African Police Service.

During his address to more than one thousand officers, the MEC said that a committed police officer works 24 hours and does not have shifts because crime does not have shifts, it happens 24 hours.

He said that lazy officers are not welcomed in the police force and those who are in the service already, must be flushed out of the system.

“We need officers who will work beyond their normal duties to ensure safety in our communities. We also need officers who will say no to corruption and arrest those who will be found on the wrong side of the law,” said Shongwe.

He appreciated the good work done by dedicated officers, saying that their efforts are noticed by government.

Meanwhile, SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lt General Thulani Ntobela said that the purpose of the Police Day celebration was also to honour officers who died on duty and those who have served more than ten years in the force.

He thanked the officers for their hard work and the contribution they have made towards the reduction of crime in the province.

He also emphasized the importance of prioritizing domestic violence cases and also enhancing awareness campaigns to ensure the eradication of this crime.

He added that corruption is also one of their priorities and corrupt officers were not needed in the province.

Earlier on the day, the MEC, Provincial Commissioner and Community Police Forum Chairperson Mr. Kevin Pillay handed over the Masoyi and Kabokweni Police Stations Community Service Centers (CSCs) which were under renovations. Members of the community also attended the events.

During the handover, Ntobela mentioned that the reason they renovate CSCs was because SAPS wanted to have a standard image in the province.

Mr. Kevin Pillay told the members of the community that it was their duty to ensure that there was proper service delivery in police CSCs.

He added that communities must always be willing to work with the police to fight crime as it affected everyone.

“Fighting crime starts with us, we cannot always rely on the police to end crime. We need to stand up and report the perpetrators because we know them and we live with them,” concluded Pillay.

Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison

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


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