Thapelo Molefe
Joburg Mayor Dada Morero has withdrawn his controversial proposal to recruit foreign nationals into the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) after facing a barrage of criticism.
Morero’s leaked video where he suggested that properly documented foreign nationals be recruited as JMPD officers during the ANC’s regional executive council (REC) lekgotla at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni on Sunday, went viral on social media and attracted a lot of criticism.
The proposal, which aimed at removing linguistic barriers in law enforcement, has also aroused extensive debate and criticism among political parties, civic organisations, and the general public.
Gauteng Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi was also drawn into the fray and said on his X account. “We held discussions with our Regional Chairperson and Executive Mayor @CdeDada who advised us that the ANC Johannesburg Lekgotla rejected his proposal and he fully accepts the decision not to entertain this proposal further.
“We remain committed to ensure that our law enforcement agencies are appropriately trained to tackle challenges created by crime”.
ANC’s coalition partner in the Gauteng Government ActionSA also rejected Morero’s suggestion, saying that the party would oppose it if it were presented to council.
Newly-appointed speaker and ActionSA’s regional caucus leader, Nobuhle Mthembu, said the party considers the plan not only ill-conceived but also an insult to South African residents, particularly those who have been overlooked in the police reservist ranks and are willing to serve their nation.
“It is without question that this proposal is an insult to the thousands of South Africans who still aspire to wear the uniform, particularly the thousands of neglected police reservists who are ready to step up,” Mthembu said.
Party leader Herman Mashaba said ActionSA will never support this.
“The requirements to serve in the JMPD stipulate you must be a South African citizen. Secondly, we have thousands of qualified reservists ready to serve. We cannot outsource law enforcement to foreign nationals.”
The EFF Gauteng also released a statement opposing Morero’s proposal.
The provincial chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, described Morero’s statement as not only misfortuned but also a demonstration of a lack of political and governance insight, particularly coming from an executive mayor, he said
Dunga said the state has both the responsibility and resources to equip itself to serve the community adding that the government should prioritise improving the police force’s intellect, language abilities and cultural awareness.
He underlined the need for investing in officer training and providing them with the language tools they need to interact with the communities they serve more effectively.
“There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the JMPD and SAPS are failing to address crime in areas with high numbers of foreign nationals due to language barriers. Furthermore, there is no evidence that recruiting documented foreign nationals will resolve this purported issue,” Dunga said.
Morero’s controversial statements were made at an ANC meeting, where he suggested that the police force is unable to effectively serve communities with large numbers of foreign nationals, such as Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville, because of language barriers.
He said the foreign officers would intensify the battle against crime in the city and end the language barrier between officers and foreign criminals.
“None of our policemen and women in uniform can speak foreign African languages, and the challenge for us is to deal with crime. You can have all your suspects in front of you.
“Before they write their statements, they can plan what they are going to say right in front of you without even understanding it. It might be a culture shock to suggest to the REC that if we are serious about fighting crime, we have no option but to recruit those that are properly documented to the JMPD,” Morero said.
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