Pretoria – Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko says the community remains the most integral part in helping police solve crime.
The Minister said this was especially evident in the manner in which the community helped police to apprehend the criminals who hacked to death the eight Mncwabe family members - including three toddlers aged, one, two and three - last month.
Minister Nhleko visited the surviving Mncwabe family in Mabheleni on Monday. He informed the community on what more police would do to curb crime in the area.
“Police were able to move swiftly and arrest the criminals who have now been tried and sentenced to multiple life terms because of the involvement and help from the local community. We invite all communities to work closely with law enforcement officer to ensure that criminals are removed from society,” he said.
The Minister also praised the swift trial and sentencing of those who committed the gruesome killings.
Two men, Sibonelo and Thulani Mncwabe, pleaded guilty to the killings and were sentenced to seven life terms and an additional 20 years for the crime.
“This proves that the combined effort by the community, police and prosecution authorities can make a difference and I commend all who have ensured that these criminals have been moved away from the community.
“We need more communities to cooperate with the police and also on our part, the police need to be in touch with the communities they serve so that they are able to get the information that is necessary to solving crime,” said Minister Nhleko.
He told the surviving Mncwabe families members that the rest of the country felt their pain.
“We are here to share your pain. We cannot imagine what you are going through but we hope that in the not so distant future, you will find a way to cope with such a tragedy. You have to find a way to deal with this and this community should pledge that such will never happen again in this area.”
Minister Nhleko said the killings indicate that there is something wrong with society.
“This can be solved by good police work underpinned by community involvement and participation,” he said.
The acting National Commissioner, General Khomotso Phahlane, also addressed the community of eMabheleni and appealed for closer working relationship between the police and the community.
“We do not have a policeman or woman for each and every house. Let us accept our responsibility as a community to work alongside with the police and together, we will keep South Africa safe,” said Phahlane. – SAnews.gov.za
