DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY DURING THE WORLD SOCCER CUP

 "The degree of violent crime in South Africa and more specifically in Gauteng has already surpassed all limits," Mr. Jaco Mulder, FF Plus MPL and leader of the party in Gauteng says, following the murder yesterday of Mr. Robert Botha in the crime ridden Kameeldrift area close to Pretoria .

Mulder, who is also a member of the Safety portfolio committee in Gauteng, demanded that the government immediately declare a state of emergency in the Kameeldrift area and even throughout the whole of the country during the 2010 World Soccer Tournament. "It should be standard practice as was the case in Germany ," Mulder said.

"The situation in South Africa is at present already very explosive and could even lead to civil disobedience. This extra-ordinary situation requires extra-ordinary action," Mulder added.

"The Constitution of South Africa is not worth the paper it has been written on if fundamental rights such as safety of the country's citizens can not be guaranteed by the state. The state has already failed and let its citizenry down," Mulder said.

"The situation in Kameeldrift had even after the visit of Minister Nathi Mthethwa and increased police action in the area not improved. This is already the fourth murder within a matter of weeks. The SAPS' crime intelligence capabilities leave much to be desired," Mulder said. The bitter fruits of the cancellation of the commando system by the previous minister of Defence, Mr. Mosiuoa Lekota are now being reaped.

"I therefore direct this urgent request in the media to Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Gen. Bheki Cele, the MEC of Safety in Gauteng , Mr. Elias Mosunkuthu as well as the Commissioner of Police in Gauteng , Lieutenant-general Naidoo. The FF Plus will take up this matter with the government on an urgent basis."

Statement issued by Jaco Mulder, FF Plus MPL and Provincial Leader: Gauteng, May 11 2010

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