Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to intensify the fight against crime, saying that law enforcement is committed to bringing justice to those who terrorise communities and businesses.
Speaking at signing a Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime in Cape Town on Friday, Ramaphosa declared, “enough is enough”, highlighting the impact of crime on families, schools, and businesses.
Signing of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime #FightingCrime https://t.co/t6jEDNEliW
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 30, 2024
“Today by signing this cooperation agreement, we are saying enough is enough. Genoeg is genoeg. Kwanele. Our mothers and daughters here in the Cape are tired of not being able to walk around…without fear. We want those criminals to be caught and arrested. They must not be seen here in our streets.
[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa presides over the signing of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime in the Western Cape. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/DtK3PTmqBy
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 30, 2024
“Parents, teachers and learners… are also saying they are tired of thugs causing chaos at schools and bringing weapons and drugs into the classrooms. They are tired as young people that their lives are being wasted by…drugs. The people also no longer want to see these things peddled among them,” the president said.
Referencing recent actions, including the fatal shooting of four extortionists by police, the Ramaphosa stressed a tough stance against extortion, gangsters, and the construction mafia.
“We are now taking the war against those who extort money. We are taking the war against the construction mafia. We are taking the war against gangsters. We are now going to take you on and make sure that you are brought to justice,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa together with Minister of Police Mr. Senzo Mchunu, Premier of the Western Cape Mr. Alan Winde, and Acting Mayor of the City of Cape Town Cllr Eddie Andrews receive a brefing ahead of the Launch of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime, held at Erica… pic.twitter.com/nElTWkUYPo
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 30, 2024
Ramaphosa assured residents and businesses that the government is responding to their calls for action, noting successes like Operation Shanela, which has led to the arrest of over 800 000 suspects and the seizure of over 3,000 firearms in the Western Cape.
“The gangsters are tearing our communities apart and this is costing lives. Businesses are being forced to pay protection fees and of being under siege from criminals who are destroying their businesses. We are here to show you that we do take your concerns into account and we take them seriously.
“The South African Police Service is at the forefront of the fight against crime. It is making progress in taking our streets back from criminals. Last year…we launched Operation Shanela which brings together various law enforcement agencies to deal effectively with crime.
Honoured to have the President of the Republic, @CyrilRamaphosa attend the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between @SAPoliceService @WesternCapeGov and @CityofCT
This is indeed a pivotal milestone in our collective effort to ensure the safety and security of our… pic.twitter.com/aA7BJcb6ku— Senzo Mchunu (@Senzo_Mchunu_) August 30, 2024
“Since March 2023, more than 800 000 suspects have been arrested for various offences ranging from murder, rape, kidnapping, gender-based violence and a whole number of other acts of criminality,” he said.
The Cooperation Agreement aims to enhance public safety through the sharing of technology, resources, and information between various law enforcement agencies. Ramaphosa urged community involvement in the fight against crime, calling on residents to work with the government to reclaim their communities from criminals.
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Picture: X/@Senzo_Mchunu_
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
