05 December 2017

The Minister of Police, Mr Fikile Mbalula, today met people of Gauteng at Maponya mall and Sandton City mall; this was part of an anti-crime festive season campaign to raise awareness about the safety and security of South Africans.

Minister Mbalula, before interacting with the people of Soweto, met community patrollers that are deployed across Gauteng. Patrollers serve as a force multiplier and contribute immensely to the safety of Gautengers.

"Thank you very much for your contribution in keeping our people safe. You contribute your time as patrollers for the safety of your fellow South Africans," Mbalula said.

Lt General De Lange, the Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, briefed Minister Mbalula and advised that Police will be deployed across Gauteng.

"There will be visible policing across Gauteng. I want South Africans to feel safe during this festive season. I also want to request South Africans to be patient with the Police and to plan their trips carefully as roadblocks and stop-and-search operations will be the norm this festive season," Minister Mbalula added.

Minister Mbalula was also briefed about the good work done by detectives in Gauteng. Since the beginning of operations yesterday at 22:00 until this morning, detectives had arrested 361 suspects for serious crimes that included murder, house robbery and other crimes. There are also 24 criminals in prison to be requisitioned for further charges. Most of these suspects arrested were repeat offenders.

"I am proud of our detectives, I have always been convinced that we are troubled by few criminals who are repeat offenders. We must tighten our criminal justice system to gain the confidence of our people. I am glad that two (2) Wits students who burned a Police vehicle and pump guns have been convicted and sentenced to six years direct imprisonment. This must serve as a clear message to all criminals that Police represent the state, and undermining the Police and their property will never be tolerated - people must protest within the ambit of the law. Another menace in society by the name of MUSA CINDI was arrested on an apprehension order and he will now start his prison sentence on an OR TAMBO International Airport case," Mbalula added.

During this 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children, the second Alexendra Balaclava rapist Sinja Mabitsela was slapped with 32 life terms in prison plus 270 years. Sinja Mabitsela was found guilty of 23 counts of rape, five counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of kidnapping.

The Police leadership were delighted to report to the Minister that Thapelo Masango was sentenced to life in prison for raping a 15 year old minor.

"I am glad that our courts don't have mercy on criminals who brutalize our women and children. I am calling upon communities to report all criminals who terrorize our communities, in particular the women of our country," Mbalula said.

General Khehla Sitole expressed the importance of a safer South Africa to create an environment conducive for economic growth.

Both Minister Mbalula and General Sitole wished all South Africans a safe festive season and urged them to continue working with the Police.

Enquiries: Vuyo Mhaga, Spokesperson for Police Ministry, Tel No:0766365193