Admin
12 Jun, 2015
UDEMWO is pleased by the court’s decision to deny bail against Christopher Panayiotou
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased with the way National Prosecuting Authority has so far handled the Christopher Panayiotou and his co-accused case of murdering the innocent Jayde Panayiotou. Panayiotou and the men accused of killing this young woman do not deserve to be back in our communities as they pose a danger not only to the community but to those close to them. They have displayed clearly that they are not human beings with their behaviour. NPA denying bail for these cruel culprits brings hope to women and children in this country. It also sends a strong message to criminals as we are not safe in our own communities because of such inhumane individuals who abuse and murder us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. As much as we appreciate this denial of bail against the men but we would like to see the hand of justice being served. As UDEMWO, we would like to see synergy amongst the government departments i.e. South African Police Service, Department of Justice and Correctional Service as these departments play an vital role and they should complement one another in making sure that the rights of women and children are protected. UDEMWO is once again calling upon the Department of Correctional Service to review the parole system as we feel that it is not applied appropriately. It favours the culprits more the victims of crime. Remember, when you violate someone’s rights you should forfeit yours. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
06 May, 2015
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION: State Security Vote 7
Address by Mr BH Holomisa MP in the National Assembly Hon Chairperson, Minister and Members The security of a nation demands well-informed citizens backed up by highly trained security forces as well as enforcement of efficient and effective professionalism across the board. This is one area where the government cannot afford to fail and it should not be left to chance especially when appointing personnel in key state departments. The internal tension between and within some in the criminal justice system is a threat to the security of the nation. It would appear that our security forces have not escape the ugly consequences of partisan appointments thus negatively affecting their morale and productivity. Appointments based on narrow factional loyalty are a high risk to the security of the nation as a whole. Some of the operations conducted in the country, like Marikana and many others, confirm a lack of training and doctrine that is consistent with our Constitution. Our capacity on counter intelligence demands an urgent special attention. Daily, we are found wanting when sporadic violence visits our communities, risking the lives of the ordinary citizens. Some of these, risks our global diplomatic relations and create doubt on the would be investors. We seem to have lost the confidence of other nations we enjoyed since 1994. It is difficult to believe that visiting Britain by South Africans, would strictly require a visa because all of a sudden we are viewed as fertile ground for criminal activities. We need to recapture the lost ground sooner than later. The Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence together with the responsible Ministers, should convene urgently to conduct a thorough assessment of whether our security forces are combat ready against any eventuality. Further, to diagnose why it appears to be easy to access a South African document to be used for criminal activities. The UDM hopes that corruption has not already engulfed the sensitive departments of state thus risking the lives of the citizens and the nation at large. I thank you.
Admin
17 Oct, 2013
UDM marches for Marikana Justice
UDM marches for Marikana Justice – statement by Mr Bongani Msomi (UDM Secretary General) on 11 September 2013 The United Democratic Movement (UDM) reiterates its call for government to pay for all legal representation of the Marikana victims at the Farlam Commission. In doing so government will be serving Lady Justice by levelling the playing field and ensuring that the scene is set for justice to be effected. It is a pity that the ANC led government only listens when people take to the street. The UDM, together with the families of the Marikana victims, and other interested parties will be marching in solidarity to the Union Buildings on 12 September 2013 from 10:00am. The march will commence at Burgers Park in Pretoria central. The aim of this march is to give a voice to this crucial aspect of the legal proceedings. Other interested individuals especially those who want to see justice done are welcomed to participate. We demand the ANC led government to come to its senses and act in good faith.
