Spes Bona Shooting Arrest Welcomed

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

Following the quick arrests of two suspects in the shooting of Glenrico Martin of Spes Bona High School, I would like to congratulate the South African Police Service (SAPS) on their swift action.

Criminals need to know that if they commit a crime, they will be arrested, and more importantly they will be prosecuted. I would now like to ask SAPS to please ensure that they have all their ducks in a row, and to ensure proper investigations that result in successful prosecution.

In June last year, as part of my oversight role over the South African Police Service (SAPS) I requested information on the number of successful convictions in Hanover Park, a community not far from Athlone. The information I received was cause for serious concern.

Too often criminals are allowed to walk free as the next link in our criminal justice chain, the prosecution, fails to prove sufficient guilt.

I have already asked the senior advocates in my department, who are the members of our watching briefs team to monitor the case next week and report any shortcomings immediately.

I want gangsters to know that if they commit a crime they will pay for their crimes.