Ministry Comments on Crime Watch Patrol Issue

Western Cape Minister for Community Safety Leonard Ramatlakane says he has noted with concern media reports of the incident where Provincial Police Commissioner Mzwandile Petros was made unwelcome at a meeting called to discuss the suspension of a crime watch patrol.

Commenting on last night's incident in Table View where residents booed and prohibited Commissioner Petros from responding to their concerns, Minister Ramatlakane said:

"It is disappointing that the same residents had called on Provincial police management to come and address them on the same issue, but would make them unwelcome in their meeting.

"It is my view that resolution of complex problems through engagement with the affected communities is the way to go."

Minister Ramatlakane added, "Emotions would not resolve the problem"

"And we will continue to engage that community (Table View) in order to find a solution to that problem."

Minister Ramatlakane added that, it was advisable for crime watch patrols to align themselves with the accepted procedures in accordance with the South African Police Act.