Response to Police Reinforcements in the Western Cape
2003-11-26. The Independent Democrats recognize and welcome the Government's effort to deploy more officers to the Western Cape. The immediate question that arises is of a budgetary nature: as of 28th March, 2003 there was no money available for reinforcements as requested by the then Provincial Commissioner, Lennit Max. In fact, Commissioner (Adv) Max received a letter demanding the withdrawal of 64 officers who were in the province to assist in the fight against gangs.
The Minister of Community Safety, Mr. Ramatlakane, blamed the previous
Provincial Commissioner for failure to adequately deploy resources to
address this problem. This clearly demonstrates that the
Western Cape is in need of reinforcements, testimony of which can be
found at the graves of Tyrone Steenkamp and others who died as a result
of SAPS management's reluctance to guarantee their right to life as
enshrined in the constitution.
Although the deployment of extra police is officers is necessary and appreciated, that alone is not the solution. While it may suppress the existence of gangs and gang-related activity, it will not eradicate the problem. Government departments should provide additional support to assist the latest action to ensure that not only the symptoms of gang activity are addressed, but more importantly, the root causes of gangsterism.
Commissioner (Adv) Lennit Max
Spokesperson for Safety and Security
Although the deployment of extra police is officers is necessary and appreciated, that alone is not the solution. While it may suppress the existence of gangs and gang-related activity, it will not eradicate the problem. Government departments should provide additional support to assist the latest action to ensure that not only the symptoms of gang activity are addressed, but more importantly, the root causes of gangsterism.
Commissioner (Adv) Lennit Max
Spokesperson for Safety and Security
