Newly appointed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says his ministry has prioritised dealing with gang violence and construction mafias.
Mchunu’s department is also reviewing the private security industry’s legislation to remove illegal firearms from the streets.
He said the crime levels in the country are increasing and intolerable. These were exacerbated by leading crimes in the country, such as contact crimes like murder and rape, as well as hijackings and kidnappings for ransom payments.
GBV is a serious concern
He said the killing of women and children also continues to be a 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,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu was speaking on Monday during a media briefing where he and his two deputy ministers, Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, took the public and media into confidence over the ministry’s priorities for the seventh administration as far as the safety and security of the country are concerned.
The national police commissioner, Gen. Fannie Masemola, was present at the briefing as well.
The briefing took place at the GCIS Media Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria.
Plan to collapse construction mafias
Mchunu said his ministry wants to curb the phenomenon of construction mafias at all costs.
“We take the issue of ‘construction mafias’ in the country very seriously. This trend is associated with destructive activities that disrupt construction and infrastructure development, which our country urgently requires.
“Genuine quests for economic transformation can be handled through the correct channels and using existing policy prescriptions without resorting to hijacking construction sites or using extortion to source business. This matter will continue to receive priority attention,” said Mchunu.
“There are too many guns out there in the streets and firearms remain the weapon of choice in many violent crimes. We are intensifying our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our streets and ensuring improved gun control measures. In this regard, the private security industry legislation will be reviewed,” added Mchunu.
Gunning for corrupt police
In addition, Mchunu said the police ministry will prioritise rooting out corruption with the South African Police Services and enhancing crime intelligence in order to combat crime effectively.
“Central to our strategy is the 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 the police is also part of the police protection mechanism.
“Crime intelligence is the backbone of policing and will be an apex priority. Robust crime intelligence capabilities are essential for maintaining public safety, reducing crime rates, and fostering a secure environment for communities. Certainly, our budget on this matter needs to be reviewed,” said Mchunu.
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