Minister Nhleko Launched Anti-Stolen Goods Campaign in Mpumalanga – Masoyi
17 December 2014

The Civilian Secretariat for Police has made strides in fighting crime particularly that of stolen goods. On the 17 December 2014, the Minister of Police accompanied by his Deputy, the National Commissioner and the Secretary for Police graced the community of Mpumanga in Masoyi to launch the anti-stolen goods campaign. The campaign which is aimed at eliminating the market of stolen goods came at the right place, since Masoyi was identified as one of the most affected areas.

The campaign was instigated by Partnership unit in the Secretariat, in showing commitment to fight the scourge of crime in order to make South Africa a better place. The event was supported by various stakeholders such as NYDA, Business Against Crime SA, Moral regeneration, SAPU, POPCRU, CPF and Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, in committing themselves to support the campaign against buying stolen goods.

Highlighting the purpose of the event, the Secretary for Police Ms Reneva Fourie said that through the campaign the market of stolen goods will be reduced. “We must condemn buying stolen goods and those who steal, we hope for a drug free and crime free country. Crime is not the response to poverty, but crime contributes to poverty”, she said.

“If we steal from our neighbours we make them poor. Copper and cable theft has become popular and our country cannot develop if this continues because it affects electricity, transportation and water” Ms Fourie said. The Secretary further stated that “It will only be through unity that we can make South Africa safe. We need to say no to stolen goods, if we do it with passion and commitment it will leave thieves frustrated sitting with their goods with no one to sell to, we need to report such crimes to the police”.

Addressing the community of Masoyi, the Minister of Police encouraged the community not to buy stolen goods. “When you buy stolen goods it means that you have stolen as well, there will be no progress amongst the community if we continue buying these goods. Remember that when people steal from others they leave them hurt, some are killed for their goods; some are raped, so let’s work together with the police to fight this plague, let’s not take things that does not belong to us” the Minister said.

Working Together, we can do more.

By: Emelda Baloyi