ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to step up efforts to tackle crime in the country. Recently, the country has been rocked by a series of cases involving contract murders, kidnappings and construction mafia, coupled with accusations by some police of collaborating with criminal networks.
Residents of Tshwane townships including Soshangube, Mamelodi and Atteridgeville have complained about murders in their areas.
But earlier today, on the sidelines of a campaign rally in the Pretoria suburb of Atteridgeville, Ramaphosa said his government was on top of the situation.
“We are increasing our police numbers, ensuring we have more visible policing across the country and where we have visible police, we can address crime challenges. We have strengthened police forums and we have found that where they are active, crime problems are also reduced. And just as we are tackling port issues, we are Just as we tackle the problem of offloading, we also intend to tackle the problem of crime in our country. So as the country moves forward, all of the many challenges we face are being addressed in a decisive manner. ” says Ramaphosa.
Meanwhile, Mr Ramaphosa paid tribute to the late former Constitutional Court judge Yvonne Mokkolo. She was a member of the Supreme Court's inaugural class of justices at the dawn of democracy in 1994 and the first black female justice.
Ramapusoa says she has inspired many young women who aspire to become judges. He said Justice Mokkolo was one of the pioneers of the country's judiciary.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Judge Yvonne Mokkolo. She is one of our country's pioneers in the field of justice. She served this country very passionately on the court and is a judge today. She was an inspiration to many women, black women, and aspiring judges, and we will remember her fondly and with great sadness. She will be greatly missed. “Because she displayed great wisdom and insight and was one of our legal eagles,” he added.