Minister of Police ensures the safety of Zululand business owners
A large quantity of drugs and seven vehicles have so far been recovered during operations, which were stolen and some used for criminal intent
Minister of Police General Bheki Cele had a meeting with the Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Friday.
Minister Cele said there is no doubt that the business sector plays a significant role in the economic development of the region and growth in communities. He had the following to say…
“Big or small, businesses create employment opportunities and foster economic growth.
“At the same time, we are well aware that crime, if not responded to accordingly, can have a negative impact on economic growth.
“On February 23, His Excellency President Cyril Rampahosa, together with a government delegation, met with the Durban business community to discuss the growth of the KZN economy, through addressing challenges faced.
“As the Minister of Police, I was part of the robust and frank discussions that also saw business leaders from the Zululand region sharply call on the SAPS to look into safety challenges threatening their lives and adversely affecting their livelihoods.”
A commitment was then made to meet with the sector in the area and forge a way forward, on how the crime situation can be improved.
The Police Ministry and SAPS management, led by National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, have had honest discussions with the Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry, led by CEO Hlengiwe Mvubu. Through the discussions, it is clear that the stabilisation of the region and maintaining law and order must remain high on the agenda, said Cele.
“We agree that criminality cannot and will not be tolerated. It should be dealt a heavy blow through collaboration between business, civil society and law enforcement. As you may know, the SAPS has had its eye on the region for some time. Since 2021, provincial teams have been set up and stationed in the region to look into the crime situation. This includes a stabilisation team that was set up in September 2022 and is still stationed here. These teams have been hard at work investigating criminal syndicates and individuals who terrorise business people and their establishments.”
To date, police teams on the ground have investigated 68 dockets.
43 accused have been arrested for charges ranging from murder to attempted murder, theft, trespassing, possession of suspected stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, fraud and intimidation.
47 of these cases are currently before the courts.
202 firearms have been taken off the streets in the past three years, through the work of the specialised teams deployed to the region.
These include rifles, handguns and over 2000 rounds of ammunition.
A large quantity of drugs and seven vehicles have so far been recovered during operations, which were stolen and some used for criminal intent.
“These are some of the successes of the teams that have been deployed in the region in an attempt to bring stability. They demonstrate that the SAPS has not turned its back on the region and all hands are on deck to squash criminality, despite budgetary constraints. The SAPS will continue to investigate all crimes and ensure that those who choose illegalities for whatever motive are brought to book.”
He concluded by saying, “Conducting business is not a crime and it should not be a death sentence.
“Businesses and communities should operate and thrive without fear – and this, for us, remains non-negotiable.
“The stabilisation of three municipal districts that fall under the Zululand region remains high on the agenda.
“Despite the budgetary constraints that have forced the scaling down of operations, this administration has committed to ensuring that police continue with their work in the whole region.
“The national interventions will see more funding made available to beef up the work of the specialised teams in the region to sweep away criminality.
“This high-level intervention will translate to extra resources and better policing in identified areas. It will mean that policing teams will be stationed here to remove criminal obstacles that may hinder economic growth and threaten the safety of communities. These policing interventions will remain until communities in the Zululand region feel the change and don’t live or operate in fear.”
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
