“Action Society will not sit down and shut up while crime in South Africa is out of control”, said Ian Cameron, director of community safety, after being forcefully removed by the SAPS from a community meeting between the Police Ministry and residents of Nyanga and Gugulethu in Cape Town.
Survivors and families of victims of gender-based violence mandated Action Society to speak on their behalf during the meeting.
During his turn to speak, Cameron invited the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, to do patrols with the women from the area. He also took on the minister about his political anti-devolution statements about residents taking their safety into their own hands. Cele replied by going into a political tirade about freedom fighting and told Cameron to shut up and sit down. After Cameron refused, the SAPS forcefully removed him from the hall and escorted him to his car.
“Cele is once again abusing the police force for political gain and holding authority over ordinary citizens,” says Cameron. “The SAPS will never succeed in fighting crime if Cele stays in his position. Action Society will, however, continue to be a voice for the voiceless where the police neglect their duty.”