| Participation of the Deputy Minister of Police SAHRC Mediation Process | |
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| Date Published: | 2018/08/21 |
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Media Statement from the Office of the Deputy Minister of Police On 14 July 2017, the Deputy Minister of Police, Honourable Bongani Mkongi visited Hillbrow Police Station and the surrounding areas. The Deputy Minister received a report from South African Police Service outlining research findings on the state of crime in Hillbrow. During the visit, the Deputy Minister made a personal inspection of the areas referred in the report and made his own observations about the state of crime in the area. Subsequent to that official visit the Deputy Minister made a statement on the aspect of crime and criminality in Hillbrow and the surrounding areas. During August 2017, the South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) received a complaint regarding the statements the Deputy Minister made on 14 July 2017 and commenced an investigation. The Complainants alleged that the statements by the Deputy Minister are xenophobic, hurtful and harmful to all foreign nationals in South Africa. Consequently, on the 08 August 2018, the Deputy Minister participated in a mediation session with the Complainants, which was facilitated by the Chairperson of the Commission, Advocate Bongani Majola. Complainants and representatives of the migrant community expressed concerns that the statements made on 14 July 2017 had unintended consequences. The Deputy Minister wishes to express his regret if his comments were construed as inflammatory against immigrants. This was not the purpose of his comments. The message was about crime, and its devastating effects on South Africa, on all who live it and our economy. Together with the Commission, the Deputy Minister has agreed to work with all the affected communities in an effort to fight crime and unite all our people to uphold the rule of law and the values of our Constitution through nation building and social cohesion initiatives. The mandate of the SAPS includes the prevention and combatting of crimes and to protect and secure all inhabitants of our country and their property. In order to successfully fulfil its mandate. It is imperative that decisive action is taken against crime, irrespective of identity or nationality of the perpetrator. Criminals must be dealt with decisively by the criminal justice system in order to restore safety in our communities, to ensure law and order and respect for the rules of law. This also applies to the perpetrators of any xenophobic attacks against non-nationals. The Deputy Minister has, further, undertaken to mobilise all other affected Government Departments to arrange a structured discussion on the matter in order to resolve all the challenges related to this matter. The Deputy Minister would like to reiterate that, “criminals must be dealt with decisively by the criminal justice system in order to restore safety in our communities, to ensure law and order and respect for the law”. He is also committed to working towards a vision of South Africa that embraces its place in the African continent. Ends. Enquiries: Mr Siyabulela Tom - 0722073518 TomS@gmail.com
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