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'Vigilantes will face the law'
28/07/2007 21:34 - (SA)
Johannesburg - People who take the law into their own hands will have to face the consequences, Western Cape MEC of Community and Safety Leonard Ramatlakane warned on Saturday.
"The government has proven it will not tolerate lawlessness. There have been a number of arrests related to recent vigilante activity and the police will continue to act against such individuals without hesitation," Ramatlakane said.
Government had noted with "increasing concern" moves by some groups to incite lawlessness and vigilantism.
People wanting to help fight crime must do so within the rule of law, Ramatlakane said.
"Our fight against crime can only be successful if people respect the rule of law - this is one of the foundations of our hard-won democracy."
"Those who break the law in the name of fighting crime will also have to face the law."
A number of people, including members of the South African Police Service, had been murdered under the guise of a "fight against gangs and drugs".
"As a result, several people were prosecuted and are serving
lengthy sentences in jail and we will not allow a repeat of those vigilante actions."
He said that communities needed to resist the temptation of supporting vigilantism for short-term gains.
Vigilante attacks would distract the police from the fight against drugs like tik, gangs and other crimes but also take up precious resources to enforce the rule of law.
The new Liquor Act for the Western Cape would help regulate shebeens and taverns which had proven to be a significant contributor to crime, he said.
The law aimed at reducing the number of shebeens and taverns from more than 30 000 to about 8 000.
It also gave communities a say in operating hours and the licensing of shebeens in their areas, he said.
Police and government will work with law-abiding citizens, and Ramatlakane commended the thousands of Bambani volunteers, members of neighbourhood watches and street committees who were working with police to make communities safer.
"You have our support for as long as your actions are in partnership with the police and government," said Manie.
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