Conviction of 16 Gangsters will Make Our Communities Safer

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

Following media reports that sixteen alleged gang members operating in Atlantis have been convicted in the Western Cape High Court of murder, gang association and drug dealing, I would like to congratulate the South African Police Service, our justice system and all those citizens who chose to testify against these criminals.

It is only by working together that we can make a difference.

The crimes, reportedly committed between 2004 and 2010, which include murder, have ripped apart communities and it is time that these criminals pay for their actions. Good investigative work by dedicated officers which lead to court ready cases and solid prosecutions resulting in successful convictions are the sure way to curb gang violence. Convictions in gang-affected areas have been worryingly low over the past few years and the court’s finding yesterday is good news. Perpetrators of violence must be warned that there will be a swift and strong response from the criminal justice system for crimes committed.

This festive season will hopefully be a peaceful time for the areas from which these gangsters came.

These convictions would not have been possible without competent and professional police officers who no doubt secured the necessary evidence, and did the necessary detective work.

I congratulate these officers and the prosecutors for making our communities safer and appeal to all police officers to treat their work in the same way – if you are serious about making our communities safer you will succeed.