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SAPS and Businesses Unite to Tackle Crime and Boost Public Safety
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the private sector have joined forces in a renewed push to fight crime and enhance public safety, formalising their partnership at a high-level Ministerial Business Commitment Dinner.
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Police and the National Policing Summit, brought together senior figures from Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA), law enforcement leaders, and top executives — all committing to a “whole-of-society” approach to tackling crime.
The dinner marked a turning point in government-business relations, responding directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2023 call for tighter collaboration to combat the country’s rising crime levels.
“This alliance is not symbolic — it’s a key pillar of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS),” said SAPS in a statement. “It is through partnerships that we can tackle critical threats like border insecurity, illegal firearms, and transnational drug trafficking.”
Focus Areas of the New Alliance
SAPS confirmed that the partnership with business is designed to target high-impact crimes, including:
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Illegal firearms, which accounted for 43% of murders in the latest third-quarter crime statistics.
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Transnational drug trafficking, with ongoing efforts to dismantle major syndicates.
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Border security, as part of a broader effort to reduce illicit trade and cross-border crime.
There’s also a strong focus on technology and intelligence-sharing between police and the private sector, aimed at strengthening both proactive and reactive capabilities.
GBV and Femicide Remain Top Priorities
During the event, SAPS also reaffirmed its commitment to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), calling it a national crisis that requires united action.
“We are fully committed to protecting women and children. This partnership with business enhances our ability to prevent GBV and respond faster and more effectively,” said a SAPS spokesperson.
Private Sector’s Role in Crime Prevention
Representatives from BACSA and other businesses said the partnership signals a new chapter in corporate accountability and social impact.
“Businesses cannot thrive in an unsafe society,” said a BACSA leader. “We are stepping up to co-create solutions and invest in long-term crime reduction strategies.”
From supporting anti-crime technology infrastructure to sponsoring training and resources for SAPS, the private sector is expected to play a much more hands-on role moving forward.
A United Front for a Safer South Africa
The SAPS-business partnership is being positioned as a cornerstone of the country’s broader crime prevention vision — bringing together law enforcement, community leaders, and corporations under one umbrella.
While challenges remain, including backlogs at the Central Firearms Registry and rising levels of violent crime, this renewed alliance offers a pathway to real, measurable progress.
“When business, government and communities work together, we can change the tide on crime,” said the Ministry of Police.
{Source Germiston City News}
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