By Kopano Dibakwane
The MEC for community safety, security and liaison in Mpumalanga, Vusi Shongwe, has called for officials to optimally use wellness services available in government departments. He urged members of the security cluster who experience distress to seek professional help rather than resorting to violence.
This follows the killing of provincial traffic law enforcement officer by a municipal official at a well-known lodge outside of Mbombela on 15 April.
Police reported that the deceased traffic officer was fatally wounded by the accused municipal official, who found his wife in the company of the deceased inside the chalets. The lady was reportedly not harmed during the incident.
” We call on our members of the security cluster and community members to solve problems through dialogue. Violence is not the way to deal with family issues as there are avenues that include state departments where there are trained professionals who are always readily available to help,” he said.
Shongwe raised concern regarding the number of state firearms used to kill other people, including law enforcement officers. He also said that officials should stop viewing these firearms as instruments to solve relationship or family disputes but as tools of trade to do their work.
” Over the years there were many cases of killings and suicide committed by some members using the state firearms. This needs to change,” he said.
Shongwe extended his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased traffic officer.
