Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the seventh administration will act decisively to bring the high level of crime in the country, under control.
“It is our view and understanding that tough measures may need to be taken to reduce crime where necessary,” Mchunu said, addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday on the Ministry’s priorities, following the establishment of the Government of National Unity after the General Elections.
“We are honoured and humbled to have been given the enormous responsibility of ensuring that South Africans are safe and feel safer.
“We have spent the first week in office meeting with the executive management, provincial commissioners and divisional heads of the South African Police Service. We have done this to ensure that we have a broad understanding of the portfolio, including the challenges and opportunities, so that we can map out the priorities and urgent tasks at hand,” said the Minister.
He said he had benefited from briefings from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) and the Civilian Secretariat for the Police Service as well as various organisations and institutions within the security arena.
“The crime levels in the country are on the increase and are intolerable. We need to act decisively and bring this under control.
“The levels and type of crime differ from one province to the other. We need to take this into account as we implement the integrated National Crime Prevention Strategy,” said the Minister.
Currently, the leading crimes in the country are contact crimes such as murders and rape, as well as hijackings and kidnappings for ransom payments.
“The killing of women and children also continues to be cause for serious concern and warrants intensive action from law enforcement. Our mission is clear - our country must be safe for all citizens. People all over South Africa must be able to move around at any time without fear of marauding criminals.
“Gang violence is also on the rise, noticeably in the Western Cape. The situation must be brought under control so that children in the Cape Flats, Khayelitsha (Site C), parts of Nelson Mandela Bay and parts of Gauteng can be able to play in the streets without fear of being hit by stray bullets,” he said.
Mchunu said as the police, they take the issue of “construction mafias” in the country very seriously.
“This trend is associated with destructive activities which disrupt construction and infrastructure development which our country urgently requires.
“Genuine quests for economic transformation can be handled through the correct channels and by using existing policy prescripts, without resorting to hijacking construction sites and using extortion to source business. This matter will continue to receive priority attention,” the Minister said.
Police will prioritise the amendments to the South African Police Service Act as it is outdated, still making incorrect references to the 1993 Interim Constitution.
“It needs to be in line with modern day crime fighting and prevention demands. We will also finalise the National Policy on Policing. It must take into account provincial needs and priorities,” Mchunu said.
He said there was an urgent need to professionalise the SAPS and instill positive ethical values, patriotism and the understanding that the primary duty of a police officer is to always serve and protect the public.
“Uprooting corruption and removing corrupt police officers from SAPS will remain a top priority. Misconduct by SAPS members will not be tolerated and action will be taken.
“We want to change the negative perceptions of our police officers. People must respect police officers; have confidence in them and feel safe in their midst. Professionalism in the work of police is also part of the police protection mechanism.
“Our police officers need to work in a conducive environment. We are committed to ensuring that our police stations are well-resourced. We have to provide the necessary tools and vehicles to serve our communities effectively,” he said.
According to Mchunu, over the past two years, over 20 000 new police officers have been trained.
“We will strive to continue bolstering capacity and to enhance police training. A police officer must attend regular refresher courses to stay operationally ready. We will also strengthen some existing units within the police force,” he said.
With regard to the use of technology in the police service, Mchunu said the integration of technology in police services is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness and overall capability of law enforcement.
“We will prioritise the roll out of new technologies to detect and deter crimes. Advanced technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and digital communication tools enable police to better predict, prevent, and respond to criminal activities.
“These tools provide officers with real-time information, improve decision-making, and facilitate faster, more accurate investigations. Technology also enhances transparency and accountability and fosters greater public trust.
“We will benchmark against other successful law enforcement agencies worldwide and endeavour to bring SAPS on par with the best in terms of technology and operational efficiency,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
