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R2,3 billion in claims against police in the Eastern Cape

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Dear MyPE

The fact that R2,3 billion in current claims against the police in the Eastern Cape are pending is a shocking indictment of the state of policing in the province.

In response to a parliamentary question, MEC for Safety and Liaison, Weziwe Tikana, said that claims paid out by the Eastern Cape SAPS in the 2018/19 financial year was in excess of R45-million.

This is up by R6-million from the claims paid in 2017/18 financial year, and nearly R11-million more than what was paid out in 2016/17.

This is an extremely disturbing trend which underlines the importance of the need for a human rights culture and professional SAPS in the Eastern Cape.

The breakdown of claims paints a picture of a police service that is clearly not upholding the law and respecting the rights of people.

These include, amongst others:

  • R26,1 million paid out for Arrest and Detention
  • R7,3 million paid out for Shooting
  • R3,3 million paid out for General Damages
  • R2,2 million paid out for Negligence
  • R2,1 million paid out for Assault
  • R1,3 million paid out for Search and Seizure
  • R1,1 million paid out for Collisions

The police commissioner needs to account to the Provincial Legislature on what steps are being taken to arrest this trend.

The Portfolio Committee of Safety and Security should also interact with SAPS on a quarterly basis to exercise its oversight authority.

People do not feel safe in their homes and communities are living in fear of the criminal element.

From the ganglands of the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth to the rural towns and villages, there is a cry for safer streets.

The DA is determined to make our police service an effective crime fighting machine.

Our plan focuses on:

  • Fighting corruption within the police.
  • Retraining police officers to serve and protect with pride.
  • Hiring people with a passion for policing.
  • Instituting an effective drug-busting force within the South African Police Service, as well as bringing back the specialised anti-gang units.
  • Ensuring that law and order is maintained in our communities, and that there are effective arrests, prosecutions and convictions of criminals.

Safety and Security plays a critical role in economic growth and development. No go areas for business, because of high crime rates destroys jobs.

The DA is committed to building a safer province for all and is using its position in the Provincial Legislature to bring this about.

Regards

Bobby Stevenson

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Port Elizabethan

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