×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Respect our laws like we respect yours‚ MEC tells foreign nationals

Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane
Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane says that foreign nationals must respect the laws of the country just as South Africans respect the laws of other countries.

The MEC spoke on Wednesday while marching against crime in Vanderbijlpark after a video depicting Nigerian nationals attacking police officers in the area went viral a week ago.

“It’s not just drugs but also prostitution that’s happening in that area. We can’t allow people to sell drugs and it doesn’t matter if they are South African or not‚ if you get involved in that activity you will meet the anger of people of this country‚” Nkosi-Malobane said.

 “Three people who were involved in beating up the police were arrested. Also‚ preliminary results of the autopsy indicate that the man who died was overdosed with drugs. Anyone who claims to have different information must come upfront‚” said Nkosi-Malobane.

“Pasop tsotsi! People here respect the police. When we are in their countries we respect their laws. We are asking them to do the same when they are here. In this country we don’t touch a dead body and play with it. What we saw was uncalled for‚ we have never seen such. To a point where they even undermined a police van by placing the body on top of it‚” said Nkosi-Malobane.

The MEC pleaded with police officers not to associate with criminals.

“Don’t associate with criminals‚ don’t be friends with criminals‚ don’t be seen visiting brothels. For you to be respected is when you do good for society. This will not repeat itself. We have arrested those bastards who beat up our policemen. Search them at that important area‚ and if you find drugs there‚ squeeze it. Let’s make sure that we squeeze the drug out of criminals‚” the MEC said.

“If your life is in danger don’t hesitate to use that gun. Don’t hesitate to use it. Because why should you be beaten up with a gun on your hip‚” she added.

Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor Simon Mofokeng said that he was confident this would not spark xenophobic attacks in the area.

“This place has been hijacked. It’s even called Lagos‚ meaning that it is the capital of Nigerian nationals. Those who are in our country for illegal activities must pack and leave‚ we will not tolerate such behaviour‚” said Mofokeng.

The house where the incident in the video took place was visited together with another block of flats that is suspected to be a drug den and a brothel.

The six police officers who were assaulted were reportedly on a raid after a tip-off about a drug den in the area.

The march was attended by more than 300 police officers and community members from Vanderbijlpark and surrounding areas.

Another march will take place at Vereeniging on Wednesday.   

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.