CAPE TOWN, September 14 (ANA) - The national police commissioner would be called to Parliament to explain the lack of proper security measures at Parliament after a staff member shot himself on Friday, the chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, Francois Beukman said.
The incident occurred on the Parliamentary precinct.
Beukman said the incident raised serious questions regarding police deployment at Parliament, the procedures in place and the general operational readiness of South African Police Service (SAPS) members.
He said that Parliament was a national key-point and the incident highlighted weak access control and security screening.
“The portfolio committee is seriously concerned that the SAPS management failed to ensure that proper security measures are in place at Parliament.”
He emphasised that the police should ensure that security measures at Parliament are at the same level as other Parliaments in the world.
Beukman said he would write to the house chairperson of Parliament, Cedric Frolick to get permission to convene a meeting with the national commissioner during the Parliamentary recess.
The African National Congress (ANC) said it was shocked and saddened by the incident.
According to the office of the chief whip, Jackson Mthembu, the incident has left the whole of parliament, including the ANC Caucus traumatised.
“This incident also raises concerns around our security systems in Parliament, in particular, how the firearm that was used got into the precinct of parliament undetected and breached our security. This matter is being investigated to ensure that it does not happen again in future,” said the office of the chief whip in a statement.
“The ANC sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased official.”
In addition, the Democratic Alliance has also extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
“We welcome that Parliament has offered counselling to staff members. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy and the Parliamentary family,” DA chief whip, John Steenhuisen said.
- African News Agency (ANA)
