Shongwe Appeals To
Political Parties Not To Prevent Police
From Conducting Operations
Media Statement
24 November 2010
Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison
MEC Vusi Shongwe has appealed to
political parties not to prevent police
from doing their job in the townships.
Shongwe on Saturday night visited
Carolina near Ermelo where he
accompanied the police who raided at
least eight troublesome taverns.
Shongwe was briefed by the police that
some leaders of certain political
parties had threatened that they did not
want police in the township to raid the
taverns.
The MEC was told that the tension was
sparked by the previous SAPS operation
where it was later alleged that the
police stole wallets and cellular phones
belonging to some of the patrons who at
the taverns.
A certain group of people had threatened
to switch off the electricity supply in
the area and attack the police when
conducting operations in the area. They
also threatened to burn the houses of
the police officers if they continue
conducting operations in the area.
A concerned MEC visited the area on
Saturday night to observe the situation
as over 100 police officers accompanied
by the Provincial Commissioner conducted
their operations. To his surprise, the
community had been tipped off about the
extensive raids and stayed inside their
homes with taverns closing early.
Shongwe said political parties prevented
the police from doing their job in an
effort to campaign for the up-coming
municipal elections.
“The police are there to protect the
Constitution of the Republic. This
includes the Bill of Rights and they
cannot be stopped by anyone from doing
their work.
“Crime affects everyone, whether you are
a member of a political party or not.
The police should confiscate all
dangerous weapons in the townships in
order for our communities to live
peacefully without fearing criminals.
“People appreciate what we are doing
when we increase police visibility in
their areas especially at night, they
say they feel safe and we should
continue conducting these raids,” said
MEC Shongwe.
The MEC said he was aware that the same
was happening at Leandra where a
political party was denied access to the
township to do its door-to-door campaign
by few individuals.
He said the government would not fail
the people of South Africa as it will
ensure that the police protect everyone.
He further urged religious leaders,
traditional leaders, and organized
labour to support the police in
conducting the raids.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of
Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Contacts: 013 766 4055/ 082 678 1450
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