SJC, Zille welcome Khayelitsha ruling
2013-01-14 13:01
Cape Town - The Social Justice Coalition said it was
"delighted" at the outcome of a court ruling on Monday that a
commission of inquiry into alleged police inefficiency in Khayelitsha was
indeed legal.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa lost a court bid to halt the
commission, which was set up by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille last year.
"This means that at least there is something that is
going to be done about the state of crime in Khayelitsha, so we are very
happy," said SJC spokesperson Axolile Notywala.
Notywala said the community deserved to know what the
underlying problems were that led to scores of vigilante killings in the area
last year.
"We are sad that it had to be dragged into court
because this is taxpayers' money that was wasted here," said Notywala.
He said the commission would have completed much of its work
had the court challenge not occurred.
Public hearings
Zille's spokesperson Zak Mbhele also welcomed the ruling.
"It's a great affirmation of our understanding of the
role of provinces in providing oversight to the police," said Mbhele.
Mbhele said he hoped the commission could now continue with
its work unhindered.
Asked how soon public hearings would start, Mbhele said:
"It would be up to the commission to determine their timeframes, but they
do have the deadline of the end of February to complete and deliver their
report, so as soon as possible would be our preference."
Mthethwa last year argued that Zille's decision to appoint
the commission would have an impact on the independence of the SA Police
Service.
Mthethwa's legal team also said the commission was
established to make media headlines.
- SAPA
