DA condemns use of English only in SAPS Western Cape. Photo: DA/ SAPS/ Facebook
DA condemns SAPS taking statements in English ONLY
DA says it strongly condemns the disturbing news from the SAPS advising that they will only be taking A1 statements in English.
DA condemns use of English only in SAPS Western Cape. Photo: DA/ SAPS/ Facebook
The DA says it strongly condemns the disturbing news from the South African Police Service (SAPS) advising that they will only be taking A1 statements in English in various stations in the Western Cape.
DA AGAINST STATEMENTS RESTRICTED TO ENGLISH
An A-1 statement is a statement made by a complainant when opening a case, according to the DA.
“Given that South Africa has 12 official languages, this ludicrous decision makes it clear that the SAPS is not interested in serving the community it is supposed to serve,” said Okkie Terblanche, the MP – DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Police.
“The Constitution requires that the national or any provincial government must use at least two official languages, taking into account the usage, practicality, expense, preference of the population and balance of needs,” Terblanche added.
He went on to say SAPS, being a compliment of national government, is flagrantly disregarding the provisions of the Constitution by refusing to recognise other official languages.
Terblanche
“In a province where Afrikaans, English, Xhosa and many other languages are prominently used, it is a complete violation of victims’ rights when reporting crimes.”
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WHY TERBLANCHE FEELS THIS IS A VIOLATION BY POLICE
“Failure to allow victims to report crimes in their mother tongue will not only impair their dignity but will lead to victims not coming forward at all to report crimes,” he warned.
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SHADOW MINISTER WRITES TO POLICE HEADS IN WESTERN CAPE
Furthermore, the DA says it will not allow this to happen and has written to both the National Police Commissioner and the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner to confirm in writing that this practice will not be allowed to happen and that victims who come in to report crimes will be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
