The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele’s visit to the Eastern Cape Province on Tuesday, 21st December2021 was applauded by both the police and Communities in the OR Tambo District.

Accompanied by his entourage which included the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassels Mathale, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mrs Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe, National Commissioner of Police with SAPS National Management.

A number of stakeholders honoured the event as part of the JCPS Cluster. Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene described the presence and support of various stakeholders as a strong commitment to the pragmatic and functioning partnership with the South African Police Service in eradicating crime in the Province.

Meanwhile, the National Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole explained the visit as a move to reiterate the commitment of the South African Police Service to ensure safety and security of communities and their properties over the holiday season, and beyond. The General added that the visit was also aimed at assessing the efficacy of the Safer Festive Season Operational Plan for the Province, looking at how the resources are deployed where they are most needed, and to further ensure that foot soldiers are empowered to deal decisively with crime during the holiday season.

The MEC for Transport and Community Safety in the Eastern Cape, Mrs Weziwe Tikana – Gxothiwe, applauded the work done by the South African Police Service in ensuring safety and security across the Eastern Cape Province. She added her voice in appreciating the dedication displayed by SAPS members in fighting stock theft in various problematic parts of the Province.

MEC Tikana- Gxothiwe characterized substance abuse as a contributing factor to criminality, and therefore appealed to men and women in blue to be firm in enforcing compliance with Disaster Management Act Regulations

The Minister of Police spoke passionately and frankly about Gender Based Violence and as such to the law enforcement that it was a worrying concern in various communities across the country and particularly in places such as Lusikisiki. General Cele urged the police to ensure extra protection when it comes to women and children. He expressed his concern about the ill-treatment received by victims of GBVF and emphasised the significance of operational readiness and vigilance to protect citizens throughout the festive season.

The Minister could not withhold his excitement at the beautiful performance of Constable Ndengane who recited the SAPS Code of Conduct from the heart and without reading from the script. For the Minister the performance of the Constable was phenomenal and therefore deserved recognition. The Eastern Cape was described as exemplary and leading in the empowerment of the young police Officers in the whole country.

The Minister and entourage concluded their leg in the Province by engaging the community of OR Tambo Districts in the well-known Circus Triangle shopping mall and Mamela taxi rank around Mthatha Central Business District (CBD) where he also met and greeted the jubilant shoppers and communities during his famous walk-about.

Source: South African Police Service