With reference to response to Cape Argus “ Help is never too little nor too late” (Cape Argus, November 5).
I point out two things that refer to my comment on the launch of the SAPS Gang Unit. First, you have incorrectly paraphrased what I said.
I reiterate my comment.
“Nobody should be applauding national government for finally doing the right thing. We should be asking ‘why are you doing so little so late?’ and ‘why did more than 5 000 people have to die before you remembered your duty?’.”
I am out on the streets with neighbourhood watches, the City enforcement staff and communities many times a week. I am acutely aware of the intolerable conditions they face, which is what has developed my deep disappointment at the appalling neglect of their plight at the hands of gangsters, by national government, until last week.
Second, contrary to your article, my comment very clearly welcomes the launch of the new Gang Unit. I am happy that residents across Cape Town may now have some respite from the ongoing gang violence in our city. The Metro Police Gang and Drug Task Team have never stopped doing as much as they can with their limited numbers and restricted powers to rid our communities of gang violence.
We will continue to extend our policing resources as we are currently doing with R66 million additional budget for enforcement staff and about R85m extra for equipment and vehicles for them.
These investments will be sustained in upcoming years to try and compensate for the deficient policing resources caused by national government.
The role of the media is essential in protecting communities by holding the correct authorities accountable and not allowing those with the constitutional responsibility for policing to neglect their obligations for a decade and a half, only to allow them to be praised for finally doing their jobs.
* Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, and Social Services.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily that of Independent Media.
Cape Argus