Lt. Gen. Nomthetheleli Mene, the provincial police commissioner in the Eastern Cape, and Xolile Nqatha, MEC for transport and community safety, issued a warning about the reckless and illegal actions that take place at funerals of suspected criminals.
These acts include the brandishing of firearms, the firing of shots into the air (either at the cemetery or at the home of a deceased criminal), as well as the screeching sound of spinning car tires at the cemetery.
“This action is not only dangerous, but also a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of those attending the event. It must be clearly stated that this action is not a celebration, but a danger to society,” emphasized Mene and Nqatha.
The stern warning follows a recent video being circulated, which shows the firing of shots in the air at the funeral of a suspected criminal in the village of Ncetyana in Tsol, Eastern Cape.
“We emphasize the illegality of such acts and condemn them in the strongest terms imaginable. Such behavior not only puts innocent lives at risk, but also undermines the fabric of our society. This is an insult to the principles of law and order that we maintain within our communities. To those who engage in these actions, be warned: The consequences will be severe. The police will be unwavering in their commitment to the application of the law,” Mene said.
Nqatha agreed with Mene and also sends a stern warning to offenders who are guilty of such actions.
“We will not tolerate such irresponsible and reckless behavior and we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are arrested and brought to justice. Furthermore, we call on the communities to stand together with the police to expose these culprits.”
According to col. Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu launched an investigation in terms of the Firearms Control Act, art. 120(3b): It is an offense to load, fire or otherwise handle a firearm, an antique firearm or an air rifle in a manner likely to threaten the safety or property of any person or with reckless disregard for safety or property of any person.
“The police warn that the rule of law will prevail and those who violate it will have to face the consequences,” says Naidu.
