Manana hands over 250 reflector jackets to patrol teams
in Nkomazi
22 February 2010
Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC,
Sibongile Manana, on Sunday handed over 250 reflector jackets and whistles to
the Schoemansdal and Tonga patrol team members.
The handover ceremony was held at Naas, outside Malelane.
Speaking at the event, Manana said, the initiative by
government was a direct response to the request by the Community Police Forums
(CPFs) and patrol teams who requested the resources last year during an Imbizo.
She commended the CPFs and patrol teams for their
dedication in assisting the police in the war against crime. She however warned
them not to commit crime using the reflector jackets.
Manana explained that the war against crime could only be
won through such partnerships with the community. She said it was critical for
government to empower communities with such resources in order to strengthen the
relationship and to be efficient in fighting crime.
Manana has however called on the community to refrain from
taking law into their own hands while dealing with criminals because the law
will deal harshly with any form of vigilantism.
“When patrolling the streets and come across suspects, you should not be tempted to take the law in our own hands.
“Vigilantism creates anarchy and lawlessness in our society hence it must be condemned and anyone who is suspected must be handed to the police so that the law could take its course,” said Manana.
The event was part of the Safety and Security Focus Month
that kick-started with a Border Security Campaign held at Komatipoort earlier
this month.
The purpose of the border security campaign was to enhance
awareness about border security within the communities residing along the
borderline. The campaign was held in partnership with Transnet, Home Affairs
department and Community Police Forum.
The department has also conducted Sports Against Crime
activities at Nyongane near Hazyview on Saturday where four schools participated
in a soccer tournament. The purpose of those games was to assist in enhancing
awareness around the forthcoming Soccer World Cup.
Manana will conclude the Safety and Security Focus Month
by addressing an Imbizo that will be held at Digwale Village in Dr JS Moroka
Local Municipality on Sunday, 28 February 2010.
The purpose of Safety and Security Focus Month was to
encourage people to volunteer in community structures such as Community Police
Forums, street committees or to become police reservists in an effort to assist
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
