Media statement 6 May 2024
Ald Grandi Theunissen
MMC for Community Safety
As the MMC for Community Safety, I have, since February 2024, been actively monitoring progress on the 47 criminal cases related to the 2023 unlawful labour protest action that crippled service delivery across all regions of Tshwane.
The City is doing everything in its power to address this matter and to get appraisal from the law authorities on the investigations’ progress.
Last Friday, 3 May 2024, the Executive Mayor, Cllr Cilliers Brink, wrote a letter to the South African Police Service Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, requesting urgent feedback on the progress of these cases, the analysis of the dockets and the list of instigators.
Serious crimes occurred during the illegal strike action, and these need to be thoroughly investigated and swiftly resolved. Those identified must face consequences as we endeavour to uphold the principles of fairness and justice. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the instigators have their day in court.
We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that we address all elements of the illegal strike swiftly for the benefit of our communities.
Through proactive measures and consequence management, we aim to deter future instances of illegal strikes and safeguard the interests of our residents and businesses.
On behalf of the coalition government, I trust that the South African Police Service will respond to our letters to them. I remain steadfast in pressuring the South African Police Service to address these matters with urgency.
Enquiries:
Ald Grandi Theunissen