Shongwe wants Mpumalanga to be friendly to Mozambicans
12 April 2011
Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC has instructed his department to investigate concerns brought to his office by the Mozambican Consulate regarding to the safety of Mozambican people.
The MEC had an urgent meeting with the consulate at his office on Tuesday in an effort to strengthen and deepen the fading historical relations between the two countries due to crime directed to Mozambican people.
The Mozambican Consulate to Mpumalanga and Limpopo Mr Artur Verissimo told MEC Shongwe that he had a long list of criminal cases done to the people of his country who were legally in the province.
He said he wanted an “open discussion” to find constructive ways to prevent such a situation from destroying the relationship between the two countries.
“We have to live together and through dialogue, we can live better for the benefit of all. Besides Maputo Corridor being a gateway for economic, social and cultural interaction, we should work together to ensure its safety, and that none refrains from using it due to its safety concerns.
“The absence of dialogue and mutual understanding constitutes a fertile ground conflict to prevail among our peoples’ relationship, as in the case of xenophobic violence in the country,” said Consular Verissimo.
He explained that there were frequent complaints from Mozambican citizens due to harassment and bribery when driving Mozambique’s registered vehicles on the Mpumalanga roads.
He added that there were reported cases of violence against women and
children. He said a serious case of torture by SAPS members at Lebombo Border
Post against a woman as a result lost her thumb, has caused indignation of the
Mozambican Government and publics.
He said even the opposition in Mozambique was using such incidents to campaign for the 2012 elections against the ruling party.
Mr Verissimo added that there was a perception that there was lack of interest to investigate and prosecute suspects in cases of violence against the Mozambican citizens by the South African authorities which in some cases involved law enforcement agencies.
He said they would appreciate the assistance of the police especially at their premises as Consulate clients were “forced” to procure services from certain individuals who wre threatening them with violence.
Meanwhile, the MEC instructed officials in the department to
investigate saying it was unfortunate that both countries found themselves in
such a situation. He said he would engage the South African Police Service in
ensuring safety of the Mozambicans.
“We are friends with Mozambique and Swaziland. We share the borders, and we help each other economically. We mean business when we say we want a safe and secure Mpumalanga, this should also benefit people like these who come here to spend their money.
“In order for our province to be economically active, we need other countries to come spend their money here,” said MEC Shongwe.
The MEC explained to the Mozambican delegation that most Mozambicans
were victims of crime because they did not have legal documents in South Africa.
Enquiries:
Mr Joseph Mabuza
Tel: (013) 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and
Liaison
