Minister Bheki Cele orders a CLEAN-UP of police in the West Rand

Police Minister Bheki Cele has ordered a full clean-up of the police in the West Rand following complaints of their conduct.

The Police Ministry and National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola conducted a visit to Krugersdorp and Kagiso at the weekend.

ALSO READ: Police leadership to engage West Rand community on crimes in the area

CELE PROMISES TO CLEAN UP POLICE IN THE AREA

The visit comes after the gang rape of eight girls last month in Krugersdorp. Since then, 130 illegal miners and undocumented persons have been arrested, with some believed to be behind the heinous crime.

The violent act also sparked violent protests in Kagiso, where one person was killed during the unrest.

But the Imbizo also came from numerous complaints of corrupt police officers and local police failing to adequately respond to the community’s needs.

ALSO READ: 30 illegal immigrants, miners arrested in Krugersdorp – totalling 130 arrests

Cele has ordered a full South African Police Service (SAPS) clean-up in the West Rand as an immediate policing intervention.

“No community must be prisoners of crime and ruthless criminals who act without impunity. Residents have the right to feel safe and to sleep at night. This is why the SAPS must be seen and must be felt while the sealing of mines is expedited by those responsible.”

Minister Bheki Cele

CORRUPT OFFICERS WILL BE PROBED

The Minister also said allegations of corruption and inadequate service delivery at police stations will be probed. This will be at the provincial level and any required action will be taken.

He further acknowledged the community’s call for the South African Defence Force (SANDF) to be deployed.

ALSO READ: SANDF plans to lay off 3 000 members

“The request to bring in the army will be considered when the need arises. This process takes a long time, however, in the meantime, the police’s response to flush out these zama-zamas will continue. It will be bolstered by reinforcement of these specialised units, who will be deployed here while government works on a broader plan to tackle the whole value chain of illicit mining and its benefactors,” Cele said.

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