The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, commends the 500 newly deployed law enforcement officers, appointed through the Western Cape Safety Plan, who are playing a commendable role in supporting the enforcement of the lockdown. The law enforcement officers are supporting SAPS and SANDF as part of a joint effort.
Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) law enforcement officers are supporting the lockdown by:
Minister Fritz said, “I wish to commend the 500 newly deployed law enforcement officers who are supporting the joint command of SAPS and SANDF. These officers have been deployed in the Khayelitsha, Lenteqeur, Nyanga (including Bishop Lavis), Milnerton, Bellville, Wynberg, Delft, and Cape Town clusters. Additionally, they are supporting the COVID-19 response team and the Strandontein SafeSpace established to protect homeless individuals during the outbreak.”
“Over the course of the lockdown period, we have seen a staggering decline in crime and, in particular, alleged murder admissions or suspected murders. In the 14th week of 2020, there 31 suspected murders. Whilst this remains 31 deaths too many, this figure is considerably lower than the same period last year in which there were 105 suspected murders. In total, that marks a 70.5% decrease in suspected murders,” said Minister Fritz.
Minister Fritz added, “All acts of abuse under the joint command of SAPS and SANDF will be investigated by the relevant entity responsible for these investigations. Residents are asked to report any complaints of policing inefficiency to the Western Cape Police Ombudsman. Additionally, cases of police and military brutality should be reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) or to Military Ombudsman respectively.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security at the City of Cape Town, Alderman JP Smith said, “While we have seen a decline in crime, there is no shortage of work for our Law Enforcement officers who have shown time and time again, their dedication to creating a safer city for all. I am proud of the work our officers are doing to assist in the response to COVID-19 through their peace officer powers and other training. I encourage everyone to abide by the lockdown regulations and stay indoors.”
Useful contact details
For further clarity on the conditions of lockdown, please see the following FAQs: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/frequently-asked-questions-about-events-and-hospitality
Please see English audio clip here: https://clyp.it/dajgfrm1
Tel: 021 483 8550
Cell: 064 121 7959
Email: Cayla.murray@westerncape.gov.za