Bheki Cele Addresses Community Who Lost Faith in SAPS: "It Just Pains Me"
- Police Minister Bheki Cele has addressed concerns raised about crime in the Olievenhoutbosch area committed by fed-up community members
- Cele was inundated with complaints from the residents, who stated that they had lost trust in the police force within their community
- Cele stated that it 'pained' him to hear that not a single police officer could be commended or praised by community members for good service
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Minister of Police Bheki Cele stated on Monday, 31 May that it pained him to hear the complaints and concerns from the residents of Olievenhoutbosch, south of Pretoria. The community stated that there has been a breakdown in the trust shared between them and police officers.
Cele took time out to visit the community and allowed residents to air their grievances about the rise in crime in the area. Gangsterism, rape, police mismanagement and poor response time were just a few of the issues raised.
The minister stated that he would be personally intervening in the township but added that he needed time to deliver a satisfactory response to community members.
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A report by EWN stated that a number of members from the Olievenhoutbosch community said they had lost faith and trust in the SAPS and made calls for the replacement of management in the area.
The report continued by stating that Cele explained that he would communicate with Crime Intelligence to assist with identifying the individuals who had been causing trauma to the members of the community.
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JacarandaFM reported that the influx of complaints pushed Cele to address the concerns that the SAPS had not received any thanks or praise from the members of the community. Cele stated that he feels 'pain' that not a single officer was found to be in order.
Murder rate
Previously, Briefly News reported that Cele announced that the murder rate in South Africa has increased at an alarming rate. Cele says 4 976 people had been murdered in SA between January and March.
Speaking on Friday, 14 March, Cele revealed that the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have seen their murder rates increase by double digits. Cele highlighted that many of these were by people the victims knew and trusted.
Extortion arrests
Briefly News also reported that over 100 arrests have been made in Cape Town thanks to the work of a special committee that addresses extortion in the city. Minister of Police Bheki Cele revealed that 106 people have been arrested and charged in connection with extortion cases. A multi-disciplinary committee was set up seven months ago.
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Source: Briefly News
