Masiphumelele alleged vigilante attack condemned

Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the most recent alleged vigilante attack which has occurred in Masiphumelele.

The attacks on the police, which have seen the destruction of a police vehicle, are also condemned.

The destruction of much needed policing equipment does not help any community, especially the community of Masiphumelele who have been lobbying for improved safety service delivery in their area.

I urge all our communities to distant themselves from rogue vigilante behaviour, to work with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in identifying and apprehending those responsible, and to report all crime to the police.

My office has received confirmation from the police in the province that the mobile station promised for Masiphumelele would be up and running as a matter of urgency. I urge the police to communicate the progress for improved safety service delivery in Masiphumelele to the community.

Masiphumelele’s plea for quality policing services is not a luxury, it is an essential request for the SAPS to deliver on their constitutional mandate of protecting citizens and their property. However, no matter what the circumstances or allegations, we cannot allow our communities to take the law into their own hands.

Masiphumelele is not the only community where the police came under attack recently, with community members in Elsies River firing bullets, throwing petrol bombs and pelting the police with bricks.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility and our communities need to partner with the police, neighbourhood watches, community policing forums and all willing safety partners in a united front against crime and violence in our communities.