MEC takes a very tough stance against crime
He said he issued the instruction to the SAPS and traffic officers and people should not politicise it. "If you get arrested, please don't involve cheap politics. I am a politician deployed by the African National Congress to make sure that our communities are safe. I have been instructed by premier David Mabuza to deliver on a mandate."
BARBERTON – The notorious provincial tactical response team (TRT), also called “Emabherethi”, which is alleged to have become a law unto itself, is expected to be deployed to Umjindi to fight crime.
This was announced by the Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, Vusi Shongwe. Speaking during the provincial crime-prevention imbizo, which was held at Phase 2 open sports field on Saturday, Shongwe said to combat crime, which appear to be on the rise in the area, there was nothing else they could do but to deploy the TRT.
“Barberton was mentioned as one of the crime-free areas to live in, but it has recently become a magnet for criminals.” Last year during the festive season alone, 147 people died on our roads and 446 were injured. All these were caused by drunk drivers. In future, what do you say I should do? I’m instructing our law-enforcement agencies to be more vigilant,” he said.
He said he issued the instruction to the SAPS and traffic officers and people should not politicise it. “If you get arrested, please don’t involve cheap politics. I am a politician deployed by the African National Congress to make sure that our communities are safe. I have been instructed by premier David Mabuza to deliver on a mandate.”
Residents are not sure whether these incidents were perpetrated by repeat offenders, outsiders or drunk people frequenting the area’s many bars.
Shongwe further urged parents not to relegate to police their responsibilities of keeping their children safe. Various other departments, including home affairs, health and social services, were present to render their services.
