Fikile Mbalula Promises to Get Rid of Corrupt Cops
South African Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula, paid a visit to the community of Kagiso near Krugersdorp on the West Rand on Tuesday, where he listened to and recognised the concerns of “human trafficking” and “prostitution” raised by the residents… writes Wendy Mothata. The residents were gathered at the Kagiso Community Hall, but after it became full […]
South African Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula, paid a visit to the community of Kagiso near Krugersdorp on the West Rand on Tuesday, where he listened to and recognised the concerns of “human trafficking” and “prostitution” raised by the residents… writes Wendy Mothata.
The residents were gathered at the Kagiso Community Hall, but after it became full “we had to move people to the stadium; this shows the seriousness of this issue,” said Mbalula.
The Police Minister assured the residents that he will “get rid of corrupt cops”. This follows after a violent protest that swept through Mogale City on Monday. (See video below.)
Mbalula also told the residents that they should bring forth any information that will be useful to catch “corrupt cops”.
“We are attracted to this place because… I’m moved by the genuine concern of the community‚” said Mbalula. “We have been with the people the whole day listening to their grievances. The community of Mogale City must be listened and responded to. I commend their willingness to engage. I’m with them.”
He added: “We’ve heard you – we will act.” He has promised to respond “decisively” and to return with feedback. “We are sweeping the streets,” he said.
Mbalula was escorted to the area by Mogale City Mayor Patrick Lipudi and National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Khehla Sitole.
“We have just launched Operation Fiela in Johannesburg and I made an appointment to come and see the community here and hear their concerns about the police before I blame them for taking the law into their own hands,” Mbablula said.
“Communities must not be made to take law into their own hands. This we will prevent by making the Police service more responsive. When police do their job – no civilian will want to fill the gap.”
Mbalula has promised to act against any police officials who may be involved in any of the concerns raised by the residents, “the rule of law must prevail”.
“Operation Fiela was created to address all these issues. We cannot coexist with criminals and we cannot wait for any situation to get out of control. Where there are drug dens, police must clamp down on those places,” said Mbalula.
Watch Protesters shut down Mogale City over crime in the area
Listen to distraught South African resident as she speaks to Police Minister Fikile Mbalula:
https://twitter.com/MbalulaFikile/status/955801705056268288
https://twitter.com/MbalulaFikile/status/955777103319977985
https://twitter.com/MbalulaFikile/status/955823889887760384
https://twitter.com/MbalulaFikile/status/955818644453326848
https://twitter.com/MbalulaFikile/status/955828010447458305