The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, condemns in the strongest terms the reported stoning of Monray Phillips (27) on Saturday morning, 5 December 2020. His body found at 7:50am opposite a petrol station on Duinefontein Road, Manenberg.
Minister Fritz calls on residents to not resort to violence, should they be aware of or suspect criminal activity, but instead to report such to SAPS to ensure that the rule of law and due process is followed.
Minister Fritz said, “It is alleged that Philips was involved in gang-related activity. While gangsterism is criminal and cannot be condoned, it is equally criminal for residents to take the law into their own hands and/or to cause harm to others.”
Minister Fritz added, “We live in a country and are governed by a constitution which states that the right to life, among other rights, cannot be undermined under any circumstances. It is for this reason that we cannot simply take the law into our own hands.”
Minister Fritz added further, “Should residents be aware of criminal or gang related activity, this must be reported to SAPS. Further, if communities are concerned with policing inefficiencies or experience a breakdown in trust with their SAPS station, this must be reported the Western Cape Police Ombudsman.”
Minister Fritz continued, “I welcome SAPS’ investigation into the matter and call on anyone with information that could assist SAPS in their investigation to immediately come forward and report such to Manenberg SAPS on 021 699 9400 or to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
Cayla Ann Tomás Murray
Spokesperson for Minister Albert Fritz
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 064 121 7959