Parliament of South Africa

09/27/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Media Statement: Police Committee Chairperson Welcomes Collaboration That Resulted in the Release of Two Kidnapped Women in the Eastern Cape

Parliament, Friday, 27 September 2024 - The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, commends the sterling work by members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, and private security that contributed to the safe release of the kidnaped victims.

The Chairperson learned that Ms Alize van der Merwe and another unidentified woman who were kidnapped last Tuesday between Elliot and Barkley East were released yesterday near Sulenkama police station, in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape.

"Kidnaping for ransom has been one of the worrying crime trends in South Africa which requires collaboration between the law enforcement apparatus and private security industry. It also requires sharing of information, vigilance and community participation to prevent it from happening. The success from this incident attests to the effectiveness of collaborative work in fighting the current scourge of crime," Mr Cameron said.

The rise in kidnapping gives credence to the recently released Victims of Crime Survey that highlighted that 45% of women felt unsafe walking alone in their neighbourhood. Police visibility is one element that can serve as a deterrence against kidnappings and must be enhanced. Also, the capacitation of the Intelligence Services within the South African Police Service (SAPS) will ensure that kingpins are arrested and prosecuted.

The Chairperson has called on the police to continue with investigations to bring to book the perpetrators of kidnappings that cause uneasiness which compromises the feeling of safety among South Africans.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson applauded the direct and proactive approach adopted by the SAPS in confronting the extortion crisis. In the past week the four suspected extortionists were seriously injured while three lost their lives. Also, in Eastern Cape, two suspected extortionists were fatally wounded in a shootout with Mthatha police on Thursday afternoon. Direct confrontation of these extortionist gangs must lead to more prosecutions and reversal of a worrying trend of crime in our society.

The Chairperson also noted the commitment to collaboration by the Ministry and senior management of SAPS which is critical to overcoming the emerging crime trends.

"The only way to reverse this scourge that is threatening our socio-economic development is to confront and prosecute the criminals that are proving to be a thorn to our society. We cannot let kidnappers and extortionists thrive. Crime, in all its manifestations must be defeated to protect our democratic gains as a country and ensure that continued work to improve the lives of the people as promised by the statement of intent of the Government of National Unity," Mr Cameron concluded.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons, please contact the Committees' Media Officer:

Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: [email protected]