The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed its profound shock, outrage and deepest concern following the brutal murder of an off-duty police officer and a civilian in Tsakane on Monday night.
The Committee strongly condemns this senseless and cowardly act of violence, which not only robbed two families of their loved ones, but also constitutes a direct assault on the rule of law and the authority of the state.
The targeting of a police officer, whose constitutional duty is to serve, protect and safeguard communities, is an attack on the very institutions entrusted with maintaining peace, security and public order. Such acts demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life and a dangerous lack of respect for the rule of law.
The Committee is particularly concerned that incidents of violence against members of the South African Police Service continue to occur at a time when Gauteng is grappling with a shortage of police personnel. Every police officer lost to violent crime weakens the Province’s capacity to combat criminality and protect communities. One police officer killed is one too many.
The Committee further notes with concern the continued proliferation of firearms in our communities, which remain a significant contributor to violent crime and the loss of innocent lives. As a Province, decisive action must be taken to remove illegal firearms from our streets and ensure that those who possess and use them for criminal purposes face the full might of the law.
The Committee commends law enforcement agencies for their swift response and notes that police are currently searching for the three suspects believed to be responsible for this heinous crime. The Committee is confident that law enforcement authorities will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought before the courts.
The Committee also calls upon members of the public who may have information that could assist in the investigation or lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward and cooperate with the police. Community participation remains critical in the fight against crime and in ensuring that justice is served.
The Committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased and stands in solidarity with them during this difficult period. The Committee reiterates its unwavering support for all law enforcement officers who continue to place themselves in harm’s way to protect the people of Gauteng.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE BANDILE MASUKU
