Senzo Mchunu and General Fannie Masemola (SOEG) Speeches at the EC Ministerial Signing of the Cooperation Agreement

Keynote address by the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola (SOEG) 

The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu;
The Premier of EC, Mr Oscar Mabuyane;
Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale and Ms Polly Boshielo;
The MEC of Community, Mr Xolile Nqata;
The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mr Gary Van Niekerk;
All Heads of entities;
Director General of CSPS, Mr Sibuyi;
Deputy National Commissioners of SAPS, Lt Gen Mosikili and Lt Gen Sibiya;
The Provincial Commissioner of EC, Lt Gen Mene;
Leadership of CPF;
Ladies and gentlemen

A very good afternoon

The decision to enter into this cooperation agreement illustrates a desire and dedication by all parties involved to promote peace, stability, as well as a sense of safety and security in this province.

This agreement recognises the importance of the promotion and development of cooperation in preventing, combating and investigating crime but most importantly to face these gang wars and extortionists HEAD ON!

The signing of this agreement represents a concerted effort by all spheres of government to jointly address crime challenges plaguing our communities.

This collaboration is about the sharing of technology and resources to move the country forward.

The exchange of information and best practices in policing is about strengthening and sharpening our response to combat serious and violent crime.

The exchange of information on crime that is being planned or committed and the suspects involved will go a long way in assisting us to make this province safer.

The exchange of information of new crime trends will ultimately ensure that we are one step ahead of criminals.

Our collaboration must ensure that the search and tracing of suspects and wanted criminals who are evading criminal prosecution must be hunted down and taken down…

We cannot and we will not allow gangs to rule this province or in any other part of our beautiful country.

Extortionists must face the full might of the law.

This strategic collaboration must ensure resources and capacity is aligned to the problems and challenges our people face.

By each department leveraging off each other’s expertise, as one – we will be able to fight and take downs these gangs and extortionists.

We must support the development of innovative strategies by those who will be putting their heads together to develop and implement joint initiatives.

This partnership is for the people of Eastern Cape. It is for the law abiding men, women, children and vulnerable groups. It is for the realisation of vision 2030, where women walk freely in the streets and children play safely outside. It is to ensure the police service and other law enforcement agencies are well resourced professional institutions that are staffed by highly skilled officers who value their work, serve the community, safeguard lives and property without discrimination, protect the peaceful against violence and respect the rights of all to equality and justice.

The premise to work together to make optimal use of resources from the SAPS, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the City working closely with community based and civil society structures is a step in the  right direction.

It is encouraging to note that all government structures will be working together in a coordinated manner to ensure professional service delivery – improved communication, coordination and cooperation

Indeed every community should be mobilised to work with these government structures in the same areas

Indeed if we want to be successful we must work together, we cannot afford to be divided in our approach.

The sharing of information and intelligence must therefore be strengthened and enhanced.

Other agencies must also play a critical role including private security and communities.

This partnership will also assist us to pool our resources and plan together to address the concerns in each area.

Working together as one government and our communities, we will be able to identify the main challenges, and also see where the gaps are so that we can address that together.

Better cooperation is what we fight for!

We must and we will put a stop to the senseless killings of our communities.

We must and should see an end to serious and violent crime in our lifetime.

Since the launch of operation shanela in May 2023, more than 860 000 suspects have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, rape and kidnappings.

The recent successes recorded in the Eastern Cape and across the country are a step in the right direction.

We shall and we will continue to clamp down on all forms of criminality with the help of all South Africans from all walks of life. May this partnership lay a foundation for all other metros just like we have already signed with the City of Cape Town, to work closely with the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies including our intelligence structures and private security.

I THANK YOU!

Remarks fby the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, at the official launch of the Cooperation Agreement in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo,

Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane,

MEC: Transport and Community Safety, Mr Xolilie Nqatha,

Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Cllr Gary van

Niekerk,

Members of Exco present,

National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola,

Deputy National Commissioners present,

Provincial Commissioner, General Mene,

Deputy Provincial Commissioner,

Director-General: Civillian Secretariat for Police Service, Mr Thulani Sibuyi,

Station Commanders,

Representatives of various CPF’s and organisations,

Community of Gqeberha,

Members of the media,

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. It is an honor to stand before you today at this significant occasion—the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, and the South African Police Service. This agreement marks a critical milestone in our collective effort to enhance safety and security in our communities.

2. Crime has become an ever-present challenge in our society, threatening the very freedoms we fought so hard to attain. It is not lost on any of us that the freedom we enjoy today came at a great cost—countless lives were lost in the struggle for democracy. We have a responsibility to safeguard this freedom, to ensure that the sacrifices made were not in vain.

3. Unfortunately, for too many of our citizens in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, the reality is that they do not feel safe, whether in their homes, at schools, in churches, at traditional ceremonies, or as they go about their daily lives.4.It is unacceptable that Gqeberha, the heart of this metro, has earned the tragic distinction of being ranked 9th among the murder capitals of the world. These are not just statistics—each number represents a life lost, a family devastated, and a community shaken. We owe it to the people of this region, and indeed the nation, to reverse this tide of violence.

CRIME STATS, INCIDENTS AND SUCCESSES

5. In the recent crime statistics which we released late last month, the Eastern Cape is one of the four provinces where the scourge of crime is particularly pronounced. Just to give a snippet of the overall crime statistics in the province: the Eastern Cape recorded an increase of 2,6% or 30 counts in murders, further to that, the Eastern Cape accounts for 6 stations amongst the top 30 stations for murder, with New Brighton, Kwanobuhle, Kwazakele and Motherwell within the Nelson Mandela District, Willowwale in Amathole District and Mthatha in OR Tambo District being part of the list.

6. Our communities have recently been struck by a series of violent and tragic events. Last Friday in Zwide, four lives were senselessly taken in a mass shooting. Only a day later, still in Zwide, a young police officer, just 25 years old, was stabbed over a cellphone. Investigations are underway and the police are following all leads.In New Brighton, an elderly woman and her grandchildren perished in a devastating shack fire, while in Gqeberha, another elderly woman, aged 85, was brutally attacked in her own home.

7. These events are a stark reminder of the challenges we face in securing the safety and dignity of our people, a responsibility enshrined in our Constitution. Section 12 guarantees everyone the right to freedom and security, which includes the right to be free from violence. But these rights cannot be upheld without a police service that is well-equipped, capable, and relentless in the pursuit of justice.

8. I want to commend the tireless efforts of the South African Police Service. On the 19th of September 2024, a special joint SAPS operation led to the arrest of two suspects in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Additionally, the recent sentencing of Andile Nyoka to life imprisonment plus 57 years for the murder of a police officer, as well as for robbery and kidnapping, demonstrates that justice will prevail, and those who target our protectors will face the full might of the law. Yesterday, two suspected extortionists were gunned down after a confrontation with the police in Gaduka Village outside Mthatha, they are said to be some of the most wanted extortionists in the area.

PRIORITIES OF THE 7TH ADMINISTRATION

9. The Government of National Unity has prioritised the fight against crime and corruption, ensuring that we build capable, sophisticated, and independent law enforcement agencies. The complexity of modern crime, from organised gangs to illegal mining, requires modern solutions.

10. To tackle this, we will invest in technology as a powerful enabler in our fight. A data-driven approach will be employed to identify violent crime hotspots and guide the allocation of resources. Modern tools will also be deployed to assist our police in investigating and solving crimes, while preventative measures will be strengthened.

11. Specialised units will continue to combat priority crimes, such as gang violence, illegal mining, cash-in-transit heists, and the construction mafia. These are not just issues of law and order; they strike at the heart of our nation’s security and economy.

CONTENTS OF THE COOPERATION AGREEMENT

12. As government, law enforcement, and community leaders, we must take a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to fighting crime. Today’s signing is a powerful symbol of that commitment—an agreement that underscores the importance of collaboration, coordination, and the integration of resources to address these challenges head-on.

13. This agreement focuses on three critical areas: Community-driven initiatives – Our communities are at the forefront of the fight against crime. We must strengthen Community Policing Forums and promote neighborhood safety initiatives. This agreement will enhance support for such grassroots efforts, empowering local stakeholders to take active roles in crime prevention.

14. Integration of resources– For too long, resources have been fragmented and underutilised. This cooperation agreement brings together the capabilities of various stakeholders—law enforcement agencies, municipal services, civil society, and private sector partners—to ensure that we are more effective and efficient in our fight against crime. Together, we can build a stronger, unified front.

15. Innovative strategies – Traditional policing methods, while important, are no longer enough. We need to adopt forward-thinking strategies that leverage modern technology, data-driven insights, and intelligence-led policing to stay ahead of criminals. This agreement prioritises the development of new and innovative ways to combat crime, disrupt criminal networks, and ensure public safety.

CONCLUSION

16. Ladies and gentlemen, our fight against crime is not just about enforcement—it is about building safer communities where every individual can thrive, where children can play in the streets without fear, where people can worship, work, and learn without the constant threat of violence.

17. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our collective efforts to restore peace and security in Nelson Mandela Bay. The work ahead will not be easy, but with the cooperation of all stakeholders, I am confident that we can turn the tide.

18. In closing, I want to thank everyone involved in making this agreement a reality. This is not just a document—it is a commitment to the people of this metro. Let us honor it by working tirelessly to create a safer, more just society for all. Together, we will build a future where freedom and safety go hand in hand.

Thank you.