ActionSA believes that if VIP protection services cannot even protect ministers from crime, ordinary citizens do not stand a chance.
This follows after Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister of Transport and her bodyguards were robbed on the N3 highway in Gauteng on Monday when the vehicles they were traveling in hit iron pins which had been placed as a trap in the road.
Herman Mashaba, president of ActionSA, says what the minister experienced is the reality for many South Africans and emphasizes the party’s belief that drastic action is needed against lawlessness in the country.
“The incident highlights how the ruling party and police minister Bheki Cele is unsuccessful in curbing the rising crime levels in South Africa. Already in August, ActionSA marched to the police head office in Pretoria where we handed over a memorandum of demands that the lack of police capacity should be tackled nationwide. So far we have not received any response.”
Mashaba says no country can be progressive, create jobs or grow the economy when legislation is not enforced. “We propose a comprehensive reform to make sure that people can be safe in their communities again.”
ActionSA also believes that essential vacant positions in the police’s front lines must be filled; that specialized units should combat crime and drug trafficking and that bail should not be granted at all for serious crimes such as murder.
“We also believe that the Scorpions should be reintroduced to the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute serious and complicated crimes. And where people commit serious crimes, parole should not be granted.
“As a party that supports the rule of law, ActionSA will work with communities across the country to restore law and order and hold the government accountable to make sure action is taken. Our people have been let down for too long.”
