MINISTER MTHETHWA CONDEMNS MURDER OF TWO DIEPSLOOT CHILDREN, CAUTIONS RESIDENTS AGAINST BREAKING THE LAW

PRETORIA - 16 October 2013. The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa today expressed his condolences to the family of the two children who were found murdered in Diepsloot and called for strengthening of partnerships between police and communities in tackling crime.

"I am saddened about the horrific discovery of the two children's bodies in Diepsloot. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families. I have accordingly tasked the police management to hunt whoever committed this gruesome act to be found, so that he/she can face the full might of the law."

He appealed to the residents of Diepsloot to work with the police in addressing crime instead of committing crime, as evidenced yesterday. "The disturbing scenes which we witnessed cannot be condoned. We condemn any form of mob justice. What we are faced with in many of our communities are forms of crimes which can only be addressed if we strengthen our collective efforts against child abuse, neglect and exploitation." 

"Members of society not only in Diepsloot but across the country must work together with the police in combating abuse, neglect and exploitation of our children. As the police, we are intensifying the war against perpetrators of crime against children. Protection of women, children and the elderly in South Africa is everyone's responsibility. Let us all become agents of change," stated the Minister.

Meanwhile, Minister Mthethwa further cautioned against some members of society in Malamulele, Limpopo who destroyed properties, looted and burnt shops. He said there was no reasonable justification for any member of the public to take the law into their own hands. 

"Just as we understand the Diepsloot community's frustrations and unhappiness about the murder of the two young kids, similarly what happened in Malamulele is unacceptable. It needs to be noted that destroying property, looting shops cannot be a legitimate form of resolving challenges around policing. We shall therefore not tolerate any criminality or lawlessness and police shall act accordingly against any person who is found breaking the law."

He stated that any attempt to hamper a police investigation is a punishable criminal offence and discouraged members of society from doing so. Society's task is to report the perpetrators of crime to the police and in turn police have a duty to apprehend those who torment society. 

Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police, October 16 2013

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