National Assembly
Mr MA Mncwango, MP
Inkatha Freedom Party
Honourable Speaker,
The IFP laments the current instability in SAPS, as leadership is faltering in many aspects related to SAPS operations on a day to day basis and this is principally due to SAPS being beleaguered for far too long with political appointments to the office of National Police Commissioner. Enough is enough! This position is for career policemen or women not civilian appointees. To disgraced, suspended National Police Commissioner, Riah Phiyega, do the right thing, do the right thing and resign! Don’t make this more difficult than it already has been.
To the Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Johannes Khomotso Phahlane, your ‘back to basics’ approach has been a breath of fresh air, as SAPS has veered off-track over the years of serving under two teacher’s and a social worker come banker. We salute you on your approach, there is a quality and substance in your leadership and this comes only from years of dedicated service as a policeman that has worked hard through the ranks.
Honourable Speaker, not all is well at SAPS, the killing of our police officers remains a huge concern, and must be dealt with harshly. Our policemen and women are dying in the streets because criminals are out of hand in South Africa. A strategy must be formulated as soon as possible to deal resolutely with this.
Two commissions have already highlighted key facts and issues about SAPS that must be immediately addressed. In January 2012 the Social Justice Coalition got the ball rolling and because of their efforts the Khayelitsha commission was started. SAPS have committed to implementing the Commission’s findings and should take serious consideration in dealing with other SAPS areas like they are prersently doing in Khayelitsha. The Marikana massacre was the single most lethal use of force by South African security forces against civilians since 1960, SAPS acted in a manner that defies responsible policing and we welcome Minister Nathi Nhleko’s appointing of an independent panel of experts to advise on public order policing issues going forward.
Logistical equipment and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas needs immediate attention and intervention. We must see an improvement in the state of our police buildings and barracks as some are in an appalling condition and this contributes to the current low morale of the officers. Our Police women and men must also have equipment that meets current needs. Vans fitted with the latest chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear detection devices, while a nice to have, do not assist in policing requirements as they stand today in South Africa. These are by no means not important, but these are the exception rather than the norm and should not take precedence of other priority equipment.
In conclusion, Let us work together to rebuild SAPS and in so doing make our country safer for all.
The IFP supports this budget vote.
I thank you.
Contact:
Mr MA Mncwango
0834484896
IFP Media, Parliament
