Police General fails to prove his mettle

AfriForum has condemned the decision of General Mzwandile Petros, Provincial Police Commissioner of Gauteng, that members of the Gauteng Police have to apologise to Ms Madikizela-Mandela for apprehending the vehicle of Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, after it had been observed speeding recklessly through the traffic.

According to Nantes Kelder, Head of Community Safety of AfriForum, General Petros has failed to prove his mettle as Provincial Police Chief.  "The decision of General Petros is not good for the morale of Police members at all.  This action sends a very negative message to all members and henceforth they will hesitate to take action out of fear for victimisation."  Kelder also added that Ms Mandela is not above the law and that the same laws that apply to all other citizens, also apply to her.

Kelder stated that it is unacceptable that Police members that merely did their duty and have done their best for the Police for years, now have to be bullied into apologising.

Statement issued by Nantes Kelder, Head: Community Safety, AfriForum, January 12 2011

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