The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, together with Deputy Minister Mr Cassel Mathale and National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, met with stakeholders this morning in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.
The purpose of the meeting was to engage stakeholders on the challenges encountered in the area, particularly relating to crime.
The Acting Executive Mayor of Dr JS Moroka Municipality, Cllr Mtsweni, together with a number of MMCs were also in attendance.
Of the issues raised by stakeholders, the funding of Community Policing Forums (CPFs), stock theft, recruitment of police officers, release of suspects shortly after arrest and safety in schools were the most prevalent.
In responding, the Minister acknowledged the existence of crime but further reiterated the commitment from the Ministry and South African Police Service (SAPS) to overcome it.
In response to issues of stock theft, Minister Mchunu expressed the following: “We note that there are those of you who are of the opinion that the SAPS’ efforts in curbing stock theft are ineffective.
However, reports do indicate that there is some livestock that get recovered – although not all. So that shows that Police are indeed working; we will look at how to improve so that the perception that we are weak on issues of stock theft cases is changed.”
The Minister further acknowledged that limited resources and lack of tools of trade tend to hamper on the SAPS’ efficiencies but assured stakeholders that the National Commissioner is attending to this.
In response to the request for funding of CPF’s, Minister Mchunu stated that R 70 million had been allocated for CPF’s nationwide- which will not be enough for all registered CPF’s.
Minister Mchunu further stressed that ways were being looked at to ensure distribution of funds to CPFs.
In closing on matters pertaining to CPFs, Minister Mchunu thanked members of various CPF’s for their service and dedication and urged them to continue to be in service of their communities.
The Minister committed to returning to the province for a more comprehensive session.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
