I wish today was a happier occasion.
Upon receiving the news of officers Ngoasheng and Mokgolo passing, I could not help but feel a deep sense of shock. I cannot begin to imagine the pain felt by the families, friends and colleagues of officers Ngoasheng and Mokgolo.
When I heard how they passed, my shock was turned into anger and profound sadness.
A drunk driver, with no regard for the lives of others and no regard for the law, took the lives of these two women. This was a murder and I believe each of us are justified in our anger towards this criminal.
Coupled with my anger is the sadness of knowing that the families left behind will carry the passing of their loved ones with them for a long time. There are no words to express my sincere regret for the pain you all feel.
I hope that you will embrace the support of the City and your loved ones during this difficult time.
I am a person who firmly believes in fairness, justice and most importantly, the rule of law. It is my belief that for a long time the City was held in the tight grip of corrupt and lawless officials.
When lawlessness is perceived to be condoned by those who are supposed to set the example; that lawlessness trickles down into society. I am ashamed of the level of fraud and corruption we uncover on a daily basis!
The City has uncovered fraud and corruption close to R18 billion since the establishment of our anti-corruption unit. This is money that should have been directed to assist our poorest communities and provide quality service to all our residents.
This culture of lawlessness must end. In fact, it is this culture makes people believe that they can choose to ignore the law and drive drunk on our roads.
One of the City’s nine priorities is to ensure safer communities. Previously, the JMPD was extremely understaffed and struggled to keep our residents safe.
When we came into office, we immediately recruited 1500 new JMPD officers who would police our streets. These recruits joined our ranks this past October. Once they are fully trained, they will swell the ranks of the JMPD by 50%.
As a City, we recognizes that policing is, first and foremost, a national competency, and that our national government is responsible for the country’s safety and security. However, we CANNOT stand by and do nothing as criminals terrorise our communities.
It is with this in mind that I have placed my trust in the new Chief of Police, David Tembe, to help bring law and order to our streets.
Chief Tembe carries an enormous task on his shoulders, as he must ensure that our law enforcement officials do not rest until every resident, official or visitor to Johannesburg knows that lawlessness, in any form, will not be tolerated.
In the coming weeks the City will launch operation Buya Mthetho, an initiative to bring law and order to Johannesburg.
This includes enforcing laws against drunk driving.
For too many people, driving under the influence seems a “not so serious,” offence. That is why our JMPD must ensure stronger enforcement of laws in our City.
It is only by holding offenders to account that we will be able to turn things around.
I know that in this case, the City will be doing all that it can to ensure that the criminal who took the lives of Officers Ngoasheng and Mokgolo faces the full might of the law.
We must use today to remember and applaud both Officers Ngoasheng and Mokgolo for their 7 years of service and how they helped to keep our residents safe.
As you prepare to go back to your daily work routine, although without them, I urge each of you to keep them in your hearts.
They chose to ensure that the safety of our residents comes first;
They chose public service; and
They served their City with pride.
It is for this reason that their passing is not in vain. Their commitment and example lives on in each of you.
I do not stand before you today as a figure far removed from your grief. The untimely passing of our colleagues is a personal loss to me as well as I am responsible for this government and its thousands of employees. When tragedies like this happen, I am often forced to reflect on the environment we work in.
It is not lost on me that many of our officials throughout the City, and especially our JMPD officers, sometimes have to conduct their work in the most dangerous of situations.
Therefore, I would like to use this opportunity to not only share my sincere condolences with the families of both Officer Ngoasheng and Officer Mokgolo, but to also thank you all for the brave work you do.
Their contributions to realising a safer society for our residents will not be forgotten.
As a caring government, it is important to us that our employees feel safe in their work environment, and in instances like these, they receive the necessary counselling and support.
I have therefore requested that the Department of Public Safety assist any colleague or family member with access to counselling.
I have also requested an update on the success of the body-lighting devices being worn by our officers, and any other interventions the Department might be taking to ensure our officers are visible and as safe as possible.
Today, we say good-bye to two brave colleagues.
I urge you to remember their work; remember the many days you laughed together; and remember their dedication to the cause of ensuring a safe Johannesburg.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
Media queries:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Cell: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
