Minister Hosts Security Indaba

The one-day meeting which took place in Parow, was initiated by the Western Cape government at the "Cabinet meets business" meeting a few months ago.

Minister Ramatlakane, who delivered the keynote address at the Indaba, called for the private security industry to become partners with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime

"Crime must be tackled on all fronts with all the resources that we have at our disposal. Therefore the bigger we are as law enforcement agencies, the better. It is for this reason, I maintain that our private security industry can become a valuable partner in the fight against crime."

Minister Ramatlakane added that, to build stronger partnership with the private security industry, a big Security Indaba has been scheduled early in 2005.

At the end of the one-day meeting, it was agreed that:

• There is no uniform voice for the private security industry. The Business Against Crime initiative, which also helped facilitate the Indaba, was tasked to identify other role players and work towards the formation of a federation of Private security companies.
• The lines of communication and relationships between the private security companies and the police were poor at most police stations, bar a few.
• The support of Bambanani Against Crime initiatives and programmes, by patrolling together with the law enforcement agencies.
• A commitment was undertaken to begin a process of interaction and strengthening of relations between the police and the private security.
• As an immediate step towards strengthening of relations, private security companies will be assisting the police, the Neighbourhood Watch and the Provincial government in ensuring that the province experiences a safer festive season this year.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Minister Ramatlakane said: "We are delighted that our partnership against crime with various stakeholders and security industries, is growing from strength to strength."

"It is clear that the net is closing on criminals."

"From now on, the eyes of private security will also be on the actions of criminals. The consolidating of thousands of private security staff to work with thousands of police demonstrate that our safer festive season would produce positive results."

Ends