Minister Fritz commends success of 100 new officers in Bonteheuwel

Minister Fritz Commends Success of 100 New Officers in Bonteheuwel

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, commends the varied successes of the 100 newly deployed Metro law enforcement officers in Bonteheuwel since 2 July 2019.

These officers maintain a visible presence, attend to by-law transgressions and assist with crime prevention duties in conjunction with the city’s metro police, traffic services and the SAPS. This is the second Neighbourhood Safety Team (NST) officially on duty. The City first launched a NST concept in Delft in December 2017, to reduce crime in suburbs identified in the police’s annual crime statistics.

Minister Fritz said, “Since the additional deployment of 100 new law enforcement officers there have been 43 arrests made. Additionally, there were 372 illegal substances confiscated and 7 firearms and ammunitions uncovered. What’s more, the additional deployments led to 43kg of stolen PRASA cables being found and confiscated.”

“The Department of Community safety will further be assisting the City in its crime fighting initiatives by transferring R4.2 million towards School Resource Officers (SROs) and the creation of safe zones during this financial year. Amongst these safe zones is Bonteheuwel Secondary School. Additionally, R4.4 million will be transferred in the 2020/21 financial year and R4.6 million in 2021/22.”

Minister Fritz further added, “Initiatives such as these are essential in combatting crime and gangsterism, and work alongside the joint-operations of the SANDF and SAPS. Only by working Better Together can we ensure the safety of the province.”

Under the leadership of Minister Albert Fritz, the Department of Community Safety remains committed to using all the tools at its disposal to safeguard the people of this province.

Attention broadcasters, please find English audio clip attached.