26 April 2012

THE City of Johannesburg Public Safety Department is aggrieved by the brutal death of one of its metro police officer who was gunned down on his way to serve the community of Johannesburg.

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for the department JMPD and EMS Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe conveys her condolences to the family of Officer Thembeleni Kuboni and to his colleagues who served with him in the police force.

This week alone, 3 metro police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

MMC Mfikoe condemns the persisting trend of killing of police officers who have dedicated their lives and time to make it a point that the streets of Johannesburg are safe and secure all the time.

MMC Mfikoe vowed that her department together with SAPS will use every tool available (within the confides of law-enforcement) to crack-down perpetrates who are behind the ambush of police officers and to make sure that they face the full might of the law.

As far as improving safety for officers is concerned, from now on all staff will be encouraged to travel in groups and officers who live in the same area should escort one another, officers are discouraged from travelling alone especially early in the morning and late at night.

MMC Mfikoe is currently in talks with the Chief of Police Chris Ngcobo to look at ways which can be used to provide dedicated transportation for all officers who don't have cars to be transported to-and-from work on a daily basis.

The City does compensate the families of officers who die in the line of duty as it is a standard procedure.

Spokesperson for the department Anda Mbikwana, highlighted that the Joburg Public Safety department is committed in continuing to work hand-in- hand with communities to build a safe, secure and resilient City that protects, serves and empowers Johannesburg residents, the business community and its visitors.

The Human and social Development cluster departments will continue to create safer communities in partnership with the people and various stakeholders, with the objective to reclaim the stress, parks and squares that are safe for our children and other vulnerable groups.

Part of the plans to curb crime is to deploy at least 10 Metro Police Officers per ward throughout the City.

For more information contact:

Anda Mbikwana
Spokesperson
Office of the MMC for Public Safety
Tel: 011 758 9149
Cell: 076 792 9769
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it