Parliament, Friday, 03 April 2020 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice commends the work of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster in developing and implementing regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of the country in the midst of battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Committee Chairperson Ms Shahidabibi Shaikh said she is aware that there have been various challenges for both the people of South Africa and the JCPS cluster in ensuring compliance with the regulations during the lockdown period.
“In light of the Minister of Police’s announcement yesterday confirming that 24 389 law enforcement officers together with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) are working tirelessly to ensure the regulations are adhered to and that 2 289 people have been arrested due to their failure to adhere to the regulations, we need to commend our men and women in uniform. They are selflessly putting their lives and that of families and friends at risk to ensure that the rest of the population adhere to the rules and stay safe,” said Ms Shaikh.
Ms Shaikh said she noted reports related to incidences of alleged police brutality during the lockdown period. “This is extremely concerning. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is proactive in its investigations related to the alleged actions of the police. The committee looks forward to receiving a report on the outcomes of these investigations.”
“I call on all South Africans and visitors to our country to comply with the regulations and to work with all law enforcement agencies so that the safety of everyone can be ensured during these trying times. I wish to express my gratitude to all South African Police Service (SAPS) and SANDF members who are working at the frontline to ensure the safety of our people and I urge them to work patiently and respectfully with our citizens during this period.”
Ms Shaikh further expressed her heartfelt condolences to those families who have suffered the loss of their loved ones during this time and wished those recovering from the virus a speedy and full recovery.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND JUSTICE, MS SHAHIDABIBI SHAIKH
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