The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng has firmly rejected the proposal by the Chairperson of Johannesburg and City of Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, regarding the recruitment of documented foreign nationals into the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
The proposal, which Morero presented over the weekend to the ANC’s regional executive committee lekgotla, suggested that incorporating documented foreign nationals could enhance communication with suspects who speak foreign African languages.
Morero highlighted the challenges faced by the JMPD due to language barriers. He pointed out that the inability of the police force to understand foreign African languages hampers effective law enforcement.
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According to Morero, having documented foreign nationals in the police department would allow better communication with arrested suspects, preventing them from conspiring without being overheard by the police.
He acknowledged that the idea might be unconventional but stressed its potential to strengthen the fight against crime in ward 67.
“I always ask this question that none of our police men and women in uniform can speak any of the foreign African languages and the challenge is for us to deal with crime and you can have all your suspects here and before they write their statements, they can plan what they are going to say in front of you without you hearing what they are saying.
“It might be a culture shock to suggest to this Regional Executive Committee, but if we are serious in fighting crime in ward 67, we have no option but those that are properly documented, with proper documents, can be recruited to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.”
Despite Morero’s reasoning, the proposal faced immediate rejection from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the regional executive committee. Lesufi took to social media to clarify that the ANC in Johannesburg had rejected the proposal and that it would not be considered further.
“We don’t agree with this proposal. We held discussions with our Regional Chairperson and Executive Mayor Dada Morero 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. Our sincerest apologies for the confusion and pain caused by this proposal.”
He further communicated that both the regional chairperson and Mayor Dada Morero had accepted the decision, acknowledging the importance of focusing on adequately training existing law enforcement to tackle crime-related challenges.
Lesufi reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to ensuring that law enforcement agencies in Gauteng are adequately equipped and trained to address the issues arising from crime.
He extended apologies for any confusion or distress caused by the proposal, emphasizing the ANC’s dedication to enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of the JMPD without involving foreign nationals.
