Johannesburg - Communities should work hand in hand with the police to eradicate crime, Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko said on Wednesday.
Speaking ahead of opening the Yeoville Police Station in Johannesburg, Minister Nhleko said strong partnerships between communities and the police were necessary to combat crime.
“Communities must work with the police,” he told a gathering of police men and women as well as the community at the station.
The opening of the station, which the Minister described as “state-of-the art”, is in support of the frontline service delivery programme. It is based on the need to improve the infrastructure of police stations as well as the quality of services rendered to the public.
Minister Nhleko said before 1994, police stations were considered as places of torture for the majority of South Africans. However, post 1994, police stations have shifted to a focus that emphasises freedom.
“Policing has become about efforts of development,” he said.
The Minister also spoke on the killing of police officials. “We have recently seen a spate of police killings. If you kill [police officers], we are killing ourselves and that is an anti-development,” said Minister Nhleko.
He also spoke out against corruption, saying society as a whole needs to have a discussion around it.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane said that while the police may experience hardship, they are committed to serving communities.
“At the height of challenges that we are confronted with as an organisation, we are again reaffirming our commitment to serve you with dedication, commitment and excellence. We are part of the many voices in government that say services must be brought to the public,” said Commissioner Phahlane.
Reiterating the Minister’s comments, the commissioner also urged the community to help police in the fight against crime. “The fight against crime cannot be done by the police alone.”
Speaking on police brutality, Commissioner Phahlane said isolated tendencies of police brutality and torturing of citizens will not be tolerated.
“We are to work within the ambits of the law and there should be no ambiguity in our course,” said the commissioner as South Africa continues to mark 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
“This campaign is for all citizens, not just those who live in towns and cities. Gender based violence continues to be a problematic feature of the society we live in and that should be one of the main focus points as we intensify our fight against crime in this area,” said Commissioner Phahlane.
Commissioner Phahlane said they will not tolerate any form of violence against women, children and the vulnerable in the community.
Minister Nhleko, who toured the facility, also unveiled a plaque at the station. – SAnews.gov.za
