Premier Rasool announced the graduation of 1700 new cops today at a Graduation ceremony at the Good Hope Centre. These 1700 new SAPS officers are a signal that the Premier and Provincial Government stand undaunted by recent threats from organised criminals against Premier Rasool and Minister Ramatlakane. The Premier said: "Now is the time to intensify the war. Gangsters and druglords are wounded. They know that we are serious and they know that we are smarter. We are hurting them in their pockets by taking away their houses, their cars, their boats, their cash and taking away their freedom.

"Now is the time for the police to rise even further to the occasion. We can afford no weakness in our ranks. Let us stamp out laziness, corruption and fear within the police. Communities are beginning to trust us because we are beginning to earn their trust by doing our work well. Let us now take communities on as full partners in this war.

"We now make a call at this critical time for community volunteers; for increased business investment in the fight against crime; for our religious leaders to preach a culture of zero tolerance of crime and drugs; for schools, civics and unions to join the Government in its serious effort to remove criminals and make the Western Cape safer.

"This festive season, incorporating Eid ul-Fitr, Diwali, Channukah and Christmas must be the safest ever for all communities in the province and for all our visitors and tourists. We assure our residents and tourists alike that we have 1700 more police to keep you safe as you enjoy this remarkable time of goodwill and celebration.

"I will convene a meeting in the next two weeks of all Departments and agencies involved in keeping us safe and promoting the important tourist industry to ensure that we have a specific safety plan plan for the next three months."

Please contact either Redi Direko [082 805 9119] for any further queries.

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