Media release

Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster Western Cape elections hotspots visit

24 April 2014

24 April 2014

Ministers of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster conducted a visit to the election hotspots in the Western Cape in a bid to ensure stability ahead of the elections. 

The visit was conducted on Wednesday 24 April 2014 and Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa led the delegation. Minister Mthethwa was joined by Minister of State Security, Dr Siyabonga Cwele, Minister of Correctional Services Sbu Ndebele, Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Minister of International Relations Nkoana Maite-Mashabane.

The visit kicked off with a detailed briefing from the Provincial Joint Operations (ProvJoc) and the IEC on their state of readiness for the upcoming elections. The Ministers noted that while the political contestation within the province is at its highest, violent community protests were limited to certain areas around the Cape metropolitan.

The Ministers further noted that the Western Cape Province remains confronted by gang related violence, drug trafficking and related social ills. This continues to receive highest attention from all the JCPS cluster organs within the province.

After the briefing, Ministers conducted a brief community meeting at Manenberg;proceeded to Siqalo informal settlement at Luzuko and lastly at the Thabo Mbeki in Khayelistha where they conducted walkabouts in the communities.

In all these public engagements, communities were vocal about the problems besetting them, from gangs to crime and service delivery issues which they view as critical in their ability to go out and vote. Complaints were also raised about the conduct of police in their operations.

Ministers responded and urged communities to liaise directly with structures in the community. They also gave contact details of the relevant station commanders, who were present in the briefings. Ministers further called for the involvement of the local and provincial government structures in the fight against many of the social ills the community were raising.

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 501 0139

Issued by: GCIS

Share this page
Similar categories to explore