Manana welcomes an investigation into escapes at
Barberton Police Station
31 December 2009
Mpumalanga Community Safety and Security MEC, Ms Sibongile
Manana, has welcomed the decision by the SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Thulani
Ntobela to investigate the escape of 31 suspects from lawful custody at
Barberton Police Station cells between 28 and 29 December 2009.
Manana also applauds the Commissioner ‘swift action to
transfer the Barberton Station Commissioner and her deputy pending the
investigation into those escapes and the alleged overcrowding at the cells.
It has been reported that the suspects allegedly escaped
by cutting the secured metal roof of the exercising apartment of the cells.
Manana has however expressed her concern at the escapes as
this does not only compromise the safety of the general public but it also
delays the process of bringing the suspects to book.
“We must be vigilant when arresting and dealing with suspects, incidents like this also undermines the good work already done by the police when arresting these suspects”, complained Manana.
She has called on SAPS Management to finalise the
investigations as soon as possible so that appropriate actions are taken to
ensure such incidents do not recur as they compromise the work of the police.
She has also called on the police to pull all stops and
ensure the suspects are immediately rearrested.
Manana is also calling on the general public to assist the police in their quest to bring the suspects again into custody.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by: Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
