|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
Law enforcers pledge safer Mogale
4 June 2009 By Keotshepile wa Mogotsi IT was the straw that broke the camel's back, a dastardly deed that pushed reasonable human beings well beyond the limits of tolerance. The slaying of Mogale City traffic officer Thabo Jonas Tladi, gunned down while on duty in January 2007, ignited protests from his colleagues, who demanded additional guns and bullet proof gear from the municipality to fight crime and make our roads safe. The matter was discussed by Mogale City management, under the guidance of municipal manager Dan Mashitisho. Departmental structures were reshuffled and public safety was swallowed by social services, under executive manager Shirley Mathebula, to fast track solutions to problems in the unit. Fast forward to 27 May 2009: on this day, Mogale City and regional law enforcers, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Correctional Services, Westonaria and Randfontein public safety units, gathered and pledged to commit themselves to making Mogale City a safe and secure place to live in and visit. Improvement The gathering was championed by Mogale City's public safety unit, under manager William Nchefu, and social services, under executive manager Shirley Mathebule. It was held at Mogale's public safety office, where officers welcomed council Speaker Noluthando Mangole and Mashitisho. They proved that there was a colossal improvement in the safety department. And, though the late Thabo "Dancing Man" Tladi was not mentioned by the speakers, he must be turning with joy in his grave given the rapid improvement brought about by City management and the men and women in brown who service the community with pride. Mogale City public safety, regional law enforcement - SAPS, Correctional Services Randfontein and Westonaria public safety - Mangole, Mashitisho and Mathebula signed a memorandum of understanding committing to the cause. They committed to establishing a partnership within all sectors of society in the fight against crime and the provision of traffic services. The aim is to have a significant effect at grass root levels and to engage in meaningful discussions with members of the community and sectors of society that can make a difference in the improvement of traffic services. Partnerships Stakeholders also committed to engaging in new partnerships, recognising members who are performing and committed at grass roots levels, supporting traffic and security efforts in reducing accidents, and contributing meaningfully to all national and provincial projects, such as Arrive Alive and the Rollout Enforcement Plan. Pledging for a safer Mogale City, Mangole said the occasion should make people realise that the West Rand was a place to be. "As the Speaker of Mogale City, I pledge that together we must make sure our community is able to realise that the West Rand is a place to be. Outsiders tend to say our area is a country site but they are now flocking in for the sake of peace and harmony." Mashitisho, however, pointed out that improving safety was not an easy task. "Mogale City is not an easy place to run. I [have been in this position for] basically two-and-a-half years and I [have] met with challenges, especially in the component of public safety. However, I am glad that there is chemistry between the executive manager, the manager, superintendents, going down to officers. You are doing exceptionally well and we are here to support you," Mashitisho said. In her presentation, Mathebula outlined what the municipality had done for the safety unit, including legislative compliance. Regarding firearm licences, it had appointed a person to be responsible for the issue. It had facilitated the registration of traffic officers as peace officers and, most importantly, traffic officers had been issued with appointment cards to present to all drivers who were stopped. The unit has also restored discipline and improved quality of services, as well as appointed an external service provider to train personnel. It had established an investigation unit, which had a considerable recovery rate of stolen goods, such as cables, truck batteries and other municipal equipment. And the level of professionalism in the unit could be measure by its proven track record in managing warrants, spot-on schedule of road blocks and the spreading of road safety education in schools. Traffic Chief Superintendent Victor Monnakgotla also announced a government initiative to implement the Administration and Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AATO) on 1 November 2009. It is envisaged the system will reduce road accidents and improve road safety. Under it, all offences will carry demerit points. When a driver has 12 demerits, his or her driving licence will be suspended. "Each and every offence will be allocated demerit points and if you exceed 12 points you driver's licence will be suspended for six months," said Monnakgotla. Conversely, the public safety unit has been engaging in co-operative governance, working with the Department of Correctional Services in managing illegal immigrants and relay of offenders. The unit is also working with the provincial department of community safety and the SAPS on joint road blocks, crime prevention, and management of crime scenes. Speaking on behalf of the mayor, Iris Makola, the member of the mayoral committee for public safety, applauded the department for a job well done. "I would like to applaud and thank our public safety for creating a safe environment. I was asked … what is it that I am bringing to the unit, [but] it is not about the member of the mayoral council, it is about you role players [officers], who have created a safer environment for our people." To improve services even further, the unit plans to establish municipal court and procure new firearms and portable radios.
|
 Speaker of council Noluthando Mangole signs the pledge
Public Safety officials welcome Council Speaker Noluthando Mangole and Municipal Manager Dan Mashitisho
Related stories Safety forum launched Safety exhibition fires up learners Dancing pointsman laid to rest Putting safety first Metro police now ‘fully operational’ Police station opened in Kagiso
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Web development by  |
