The Inkatha Freedom Party has welcomed the judgement in the Johannesburg High Court, which found two more of the accused in the Jeppestown massacre case, guilty.

"Today's judgment is a not only a victory for justice but a boost for the fight against rampant crime in South Africa," said Mr Velaphi Ndlovu, the IFP Safety and Security spokesperson.

The Jeppestown massacre once again placed the spotlight on the thousands of illegal weapons in SA. Four policemen died during a bloody shootout while eight suspected robbers were also killed in the gun battle. Sixteen men carried out the robbery at Pick and Pay on June 25, 2006, which led to a shootout with the police at a house in Jeppestown. Police found a cache of thirteen weapons in the house, many of them automatic weapons.

"The IFP hopes that government realises that until they can tackle the problem of weapons landing in the wrong hands, the levels of violent crime experienced daily in South Africa will continue and innocent by-standers, as well as those who are tasked with protecting the public, will be maimed or killed," said Ndlovu.

The IFP believes that the pre-eminent responsibility of any government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

"The IFP argues with conviction that the creation of a law-abiding country is the most important single policy priority. The IFP believes that since 1994, the criminal justice system has failed to deliver, and for most South Africans, the systemic criminality of our society appears as bad, if not worse, than it has ever been. What many perceive to be a kid glove approach has not worked. The IFP believes that it is time for a new, tougher, and more localised approach to solving crime in SA," concluded Ndlovu.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Velaphi Ndlovu, 083 625 0803