MEC Nqatha Commends JCPS Cluster for Progress in Fighting Crime and Corruption

What Happened

Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, delivered a keynote address during the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) Strategic Planning Session held at the Garden Court Hotel in East London. The session, attended by senior government officials and law enforcement stakeholders, focused on evaluating progress and strengthening coordination within the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster.

MEC Nqatha outlined the cluster’s achievements in tackling crime and corruption, from the launch of the extortion hotline to high conviction rates for sexual offences and the installation of real-time surveillance cameras to combat stock theft.

Official Response

In his address, Nqatha stressed the importance of ethical leadership and good governance in rebuilding public trust.

“The JCPS Cluster was established to provide an integrated approach to safety and security programmes. We must continue to streamline resources, fight corruption, strengthen border management, and confront emerging cybercrime threats,” said MEC Nqatha.

Director-General Thulani Smike Sibuyi, Secretary for the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, urged all departments to ensure visibility within the JCPS Cluster to sustain growth and stability.

“If departments in the economic and social clusters are not visible, it becomes difficult for JCPS to achieve its goals,” Sibuyi noted.

Community Impact

The MEC acknowledged ongoing challenges such as gender-based violence and femicide, praising the activation of GBV&F Rapid Response Teams across the province. He also called for improved reporting systems and public communication of successes to restore community confidence in law enforcement.

“If we are to regain the trust of our citizens, we must publicly highlight our achievements and strengthen collaboration,” concluded Nqatha.