Minister Ramatlakane meets Cape Town based Foreign Diplomats about their Safety

The one-hour meeting hosted by Minister Ramatlakane and initiated by him, was held at the premises of the Western Cape Legislature today (18 May 2004).

The meeting was called following a concern emanating from the incident that place at Muizenberg beach, where a Spanish diplomat was attacked in the process of being robbed. The police are still continuing with investigations of the said crime.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Minister Ramatlakane said: "It was important to provide some basic briefing to the Foreign diplomats about safety tips that any foreigner receives on arrival in any major cities of the world."

"Cape Town is an international city, just like any other major city, you might find that there are incidents in crimes of need that take place in quiet places."

Minister Ramatlakane also dispelled the notion that Cape Town has a high incidence of crime as compared to other cities of the world, but that there are a series of crimes of need that takes place sometimes and the police are dealing with such crime with the assistance of the communities.

Minister Ramatlakane also appealed to the foreign diplomats to be vigilant when walking around the city.

"It is not advisable to walk in a dark place alone. Rather walk with someone and refer to the standard SAPS safety tips handbook which is being circulated to yourselves/offices."

Minister Ramatlakane and Provincial Commissioner Petros encouraged the diplomats to call the police on the toll free number (10111) or the nearest police station where they live, should they be trapped in similar incidents.

"Because we have decided that these incidents against you, will be treated as a priority, we are providing you with a private cellular number of one of the Assistant Commissioners in the Province, who will be on call, 24 hours to attend to all reported incidents against you" said Minister Ramatlakane.

Provincial Commissioner Petros said: "All police stations in Cape Town have been alerted about your status and that they should treat your enquiries as a priority".

The diplomats commented that, the meeting has re-assured them that authorities take their safety seriously.

They also commended Minister Ramatlakane for the initiative in calling them to this meeting.

They also congratulated him on his re-appointment as Minister for Community Safety.

Ends