Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reiterated government’s intensifying efforts to tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and organised crime and corruption.
Speaking at the inaugural National Policing Summit in Kempton Park, Gauteng, Mchunu highlighted the urgency of addressing crimes targeting women and children, which he described as a top priority.
“We are very concerned about this, and it is our priority. We are equally concerned about the murder rate in the country, the easy availability of firearms -- especially illegal firearms -- and drugs,” Mchunu said on Tuesday.
The summit, themed “Efficiency in Action: Optimising South Africa's Policing Potential”, aligns with Chapter 12 of the National Development Plan (NDP), which focuses on building safer communities by 2030.
The three-day event brings together police leaders, crime experts, and stakeholders to evaluate SAPS strategies and chart a way forward.
Mchunu noted the recent decline in third-quarter crime statistics but said the overall levels remain unacceptably high. He identified organised crime, including gang violence, kidnappings, extortion, cash-in-transit heists, and stock theft, as a major contributor to crime in the country.
“We believe we can substantially minimise, if not eliminate, gang-related violence in the country,” he said.
Efforts are underway to bolster border security in collaboration with the Border Management Authority and the Department of Home Affairs, Mchunu said. He also acknowledged the pressing issue of internal corruption within the SAPS, stating that decisive measures are being taken.
The summit will address key focus areas such as proactive policing, infrastructure, crime intelligence, and the integration of technology. Mchunu revealed plans to implement a restructured SAPS organisational model designed to enhance crime-fighting capacity.
On the technology front, SAPS is set to pilot automated police stations and digitise its docket management system. Partnerships with the private sector will support these initiatives, including the expansion of forensic laboratories and the introduction of an electronic laboratory (e-lab).
Mchunu said the outcomes of a recent SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Workshop will contribute to the summit’s deliberations, aiming to improve morale and overall well-being within the service.
“We have a number of identified projects which we will implement together with business. Amongst these are automating police stations and digitising our docket management systems.”
The summit includes breakaway sessions on modern policing strategies, technology, intelligence-led investigations, and workforce development. Participants will share best practices, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen networks aimed at improving public safety. – SAnews.gov.za
