JOHANNESBURG, March 19 (ANA) – The theft of 15 computers stolen during a robbery at the office of Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng in Johannesburg is a mockery of the criminal justice system and an affront to democratic institutions, the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) said.
The theft at the offices in Midrand in the early hours of Saturday morning are to be condemned, Sanco national spokesman Jabu Mahlangu said in a statement.
“Theft of guns from police stations and computers from the office of the chief justice suggest that crime in our communities has reached unacceptable and alarming proportions. If criminality is not stamped out we will next hear of robbery at the Union Buildings,” he said.
Mahlangu called for the contract of the security company providing security at the office of the chief justice (OJC) to be terminated and security at all national keypoints to be re-evaluated.
The “crime syndicates” targeting national keypoints undermined national security and the efficiency of law enforcement agencies.
“No stone should be left unturned until those responsible for the outrageous crime are behind bars and the stolen properties recovered,” he said.
On Saturday, Mogoeng’s office confirmed the break in. “During the commission of this criminal offence 15 computers were stolen in the office where the human resources and facilities units are located,” spokesman Nathi Mncube said.
“The stolen computers contain important information about judges and officials of the OCJ and constitute a huge setback for the entire administration of justice.”
The break-in was reported to the South African Police Service and various SAPS units were dispatched to the OCJ to conduct further investigations.
“Upon being informed of this crime the chief justice remarked that this must be viewed in a very serious light and the police ought to do everything in their power to ensure that the culprits are brought to book,” Mncube said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
