Open letter to the Minister of Police – Mr. Nhleko

Dear Mr. Nhleko

Allow me first of all to congratulate your department as well as the National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega on the swift action by the members of the South African Police Force in the arrest of three suspects so soon after the unfortunate shooting incident. This involving the African National Congress Member of Parliament Jackson Nthembu on Sunday, 19th October 2014.

The arrests in question, effected within 48 hours of this heinous act in Limpopo none the less, clearly demonstrates the ability of the South African Police Force to act swiftly in cases of violent crime. This however brings me to the reason for writing this letter. While the swift action in the case of Mr. Nthembu’s incident remains something to celebrate and congratulate the South African Police Force on, this swift action also highlights the commonly held belief that justice exists only for the wealthy and well connected in South Africa.

Surely the fact that these three suspects were apprehended in Limpopo, hundreds of kilometers away from the initial scene of the crime in Witbank, would be an indication that the South African Police Force does in fact have the capacity and the will to solve crimes swiftly? Why then does swift action such as this only appear to happen when the victim of the crime is someone famous, wealthy or well-connected with the government? I am sure the general public would agree with me when I ask why swift action such as this appears non-existent when a normal citizen falls victim to violent crimes such as this?

When taking a look at the recently released crime statistics, which remains as yet unaudited and therefore should be taken with a truck load of salt, it is crystal clear that violent crimes still remain a huge concern and requires the same swift action which was afforded Mr. Mthembu and other ruling party members in the past.

The prioritization of crime in South Africa seems to be purely geared towards those who could further advance or protect their careers and increase their favor in the ruling party at the expense of the normal citizen, the same citizen you as a member of parliament should be serving!

I trust this letter will serve as a reminder of your position as a servant of the people and not a ruler of the people. The same people who placed their trust in you to serve them to the best of your abilities and place their interest above that of your fellow members of parliament and ruling party members. This small little fact being something all ministers seem to remember only when votes are needed.

I emplore you and your department to place the same emphasis on all violent crimes and solve the cases with the same speed as has been done in the case of your fellow MP and ANC member.

Kind regards;

Jeremy RundlePresident

Safety and Related Services UnionE-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Web: www.sarsu.org.za

www.sarsu.org.za/open-letter-to-the-minister-of-police-mr-nhleko