JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTER OF POLICE
AND THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
MINISTER AND NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF POLICE EXPRESS OUTRAGE AT MURDER OF BRITISH TOURIST
Pretoria: - Today both the Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Mthethwa and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Bheki Cele, expressed their shock, sadness and outrage at the hijacking of a British couple in Guguletu on Saturday night and the subsequent murder of the 28 year old woman (see report).
Minister Nathi Mthethwa said: "We are saddened to learn about this horrendous and shocking incident. As government, we remain firm that such selfish actions shall not deter us from our determination to keep our society safe from useless scoundrels. On behalf of the police leadership, we express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim and wish the husband strength and comfort during this difficult period of a loss of a loved one.
"If this devious action was intended to detract from our achievements as a country or threaten our law-abiding citizens and visitors, we will not tolerate that. We urge the citizens of Gugulethu and surrounding areas, in partnership with the police, to triple their actions in ensuring that these scoundrels are speedily apprehended," he added.
Minister Mthethwa also emphasized to all our visitors that police operations alone cannot resolve crime. "Tourists have a critical role to play as well. As they would do in any country across the world, we urge them to exercise caution and notably when they need general information, to consult the one-stop tourist information resources which are available across the country".
The Western Cape police detectives are utilizing all resources at their disposal to speedily bring the perpetrators of this despicable crime to book.
Police management in the Western Cape are overseeing the investigation and keeping the National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele, updated on progress.
"It is appalling that the actions of one or two thugs should bring our entire country into disrepute in the eyes of the world", said General Cele. "South Africa safely hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually without any serious incident - as was proved during recent 2010 FIFA World Cup.
There are members of the community in the Western Cape who must be aware of the identity of the perpetrators of this barbaric act. They should do their civic duty and report any information to the police - albeit anonymously via the Crime Stop telephone number 08600 10111 or the Crime Line SMS number 32211. Let us rid our communities of murderous scoundrels, for the safety of all", added Cele.
Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Ministry of Police and Major General Nonkululeko Mbatha, National Commissioner's Office, November 15 2010
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