Increasing Police Personnel to Enhance Crime-fighting Efforts

To fortify the country’s fight against crime, Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced a comprehensive plan for more police officers to fight crime, aiming to increase the number to 30,000 in the coming years. Responding to oral questions in the National Assembly, Mashatile revealed that the Police Minister oversees the enlistment of recruits, with 10,000 trainees already graduated and additional trainees expected over the following financial years, as per SANews.

Among the recruits, 1,000 have been specifically allocated to enhance the capacity of public order policing (POP), focusing on crowd management issues and associated threats. By the end of October 2023, the POP had already received an additional 4,000 members through the recruitment drive.

As part of ongoing efforts to assess the progress of government programs, Deputy President Mashatile and President Cyril Ramaphosa have been engaging with ministers, deputy ministers, director-generals, and heads of departments. The comprehensive plan to combat crime, Operation Shanela, includes measures to clamp down on illegal mining areas.

Specialised units within the South African Police Service (SAPS) have been established to collaborate with businesses, private security, and state-owned entities to address issues such as illegal mining, the construction mafia, cable theft, and vandalism of economic infrastructure.

Also read: Tshwane Police Focus on Enhancing Security in the R55 Area and Its Vicinity

Deputy President Mashatile expressed confidence in the leadership of Minister Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, and Commissioner Fannie Masemola, emphasising the commitment of all police officers in the fight against crime. He highlighted the recently launched program, “Combating Crime through Decisive Police Action and Robust Community Involvement,” and the operationalisation of increased Crime Prevention and Combating Action Plans through Operation Shanela, noting their positive impact in the fight against crime.

Encouraging collaboration with the private sector, Deputy President Mashatile urged communities to remain actively involved in the fight against crime. He called on citizens to work with the police, exposing malfeasance within police stations. He highlighted the collective effort needed to build safer communities.

Shifting focus, Deputy President Mashatile addressed his role as Leader of Government Business, highlighting his responsibilities in tracking priority bills. He emphasised the rigorous standards applied to legislation, with bills not meeting requirements sent back to relevant departments for further work. As of October 26, 22 bills from the 2023 legislative program had already been introduced to Parliament, showcasing the government’s commitment to effective legislative processes.

Also read:

Massive Police Operation – Over 200 Suspects Nabbed in Operation Shanela across Ekurhuleni

Picture: X / PMashatile

Follow us on Google News.