New National Minister of Police

Media Release by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

Following President Zuma’s announcement of his new cabinet, I have written to the new National Minister of Police, Mr Nkosinathi Nhleko to congratulate him on his new appointment.

In my correspondence I have included a copy of the Western Cape Community Safety Act and the Western Cape’s 2013/2014 Policing Needs and Priorities Report for the Minister’s consideration when determining policing policy for this Province.

The responsibility for the safety of the people of South Africa is no small task and as the MEC for Community Safety in the Western Cape I look forward to working with the new Minister so that together we can make this province a safer place for all.

The experience gained during Mr Nhleko’s term as head of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Unit at the Department of Public Service and Administration, will hopefully set him in good stead to deal with police corruption and also see the value of specialized units in the police service.

The former Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, was not open to any of the requests made by this provincial government for policing support, and at the same time, blocked many of our cooperative efforts to increase the safety of our communities. President’s Zuma’s demotion of Mr Mthethwa is a clear indication that he was not happy with the negative and hostile approach that his ministry adopted when it came to working with others.I

have maintained that it is not only the police’s role to ensure the safety of our people, and that partnerships with the public, safety and security organisations, our religious community, businesses, NGOs, and academics, are essential, but a positive, working partnership with the police is needed first and foremost.

I look forward to assisting Mr Nhleko wherever possible with the view to making this province safer for all our people.