MEC Macie and Major General Mkhwanazi giving the marching orders
By Kopano Dibakwane
The recent reports of violent crimes committed in areas such as Pienaar, Masoyi and Marite, has prompted the deployment of 100 Task Team members by Mpumalanga SAPS(South African Police Service), to assist in reclaiming the affected areas from the grip of hardened criminals.
The three areas were recently affected by gruesome murders committed against women children, therefore resulting in the residents living in fear for their lives.
The deployed members, who will reportedly form part of Operation Shanela, started their work on Thursday 18 July with a parade held at Pienaar, outside Nelspruit.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, who was present at the parade alongside the MEC for DCSSL(Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison), Jackie Macie, said the members will visit and patrol graveyards especially at night in response to the discoveries of murder victims buried in other people’s graves.
“ Let’s work hard to make a difference in the community. We want detectives to help with investigations, and they should make sure that statements are properly written to close any loopholes,” said Mkhwanazi.
MEC Macie called for the deployed members to be vigilant and not succumb to any criminal or be killed while they have been provided with the means to protect themselves. He furthermore stated that communities have suffered at the hands of callous criminals who have no regard for human life.
“ We welcome the deployment of the team. This gives our communities hope. We applaud the decisive(action) by the leadership of SAPS in the province. We should confront criminality from all fronts. Side by side with our communities, we will emerge victorious against crime,” Macie said.
“ We must turn around the situation and make Pienaar a healthy environment for residents. The battalion must execute the operation to the maximum,” Mkhwanazi concluded.
