City begins suspension proceedings in the case of St George's Mall busker
The City of Cape Town has commenced suspension proceedings against three Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) following an incident involving a busker at St George's Mall.
The hearings will take place this week.
Whilst the investigation into this incident is ongoing, it has been deemed that the actions of these officers were not in keeping with this administration's commitment to building a Caring City that respects every resident's right to dignity.
It must also be noted that the vast majority of the City's Law Enforcement Department work in what are sometimes challenging and dangerous environments to ensure, as far as they are able, that the people of this city live in an ordered and peaceful environment.
It is largely because of their vigilance that busking is anecdotally more popular in Cape Town than in other CBDs around South Africa. In Cape Town, the CBD is not a no-go zone but an inclusive area where people work, socialise and live. For this, we have our Law Enforcement Officers to thank.
In the outpouring of support for Mr Nono, the point has repeatedly been made that Law Enforcement Officers should be focusing their efforts on serious crimes.
This indicates the widespread and fundamental misunderstanding of many residents about what our LEOs are mandated to do. The role the City's LEOs is to enforce by-laws thus creating a City that is well-run and in which the needs of all residents are considered.
It is the assigned role of the South African Police Services to ensure safety and security. It is also their responsibility to investigate crimes and to bring matters before the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Whilst the City of Cape Town acknowledges that the incident involving the busker was regrettable and has, and will continue to, ensure that appropriate action is taken, we must also acknowledge the sterling work that the majority of our LEOs do in their line of duty every day.
Last night, I received a call from Mr Nono's brother, Lungiswa Goodwell Nono, who had lost all contact with him. He had read about this incident and asked for his brother's current contact details. Earlier this morning, they made contact for the first time in a decade. It is pleasing that out of this unfortunate incident, the silver lining of the reuniting of these brothers has occurred.
Statement issued by Richard Bosman, Executive Director for Safety and Security, City of Cape Town, July 10 2013
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