Reducing cases of violent crime, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), will remain among the top priorities for the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Delivering the department’s Budget Vote on Tuesday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said the police will place a strong emphasis on community mobilisation to increase police visibility through strategic partnerships.

To achieve this, Mchunu said the department has adopted the whole-of-government and society framework, guided by the integrated crime and violence prevention strategy.

The approach promotes an integrated, developmental, collaborative, knowledge-based, and evidence-based strategy for preventing crime and violence in South Africa.

Through the implementation of the increased crime prevention and combating action plan, the department aims to reduce the percentage of contact crimes reported by 14.5% over the medium term.

The detection rate for contact crimes against women is also expected to improve to over 71%, while the detection ra
te for contact crimes against children is expected to exceed 65%.

“These efforts will be primarily implemented through the Detective Services Programme, which has been allocated R71.3 billion over the medium term. The Visible Policing Programme, which weighs at least 52% of the total allocation of the budget will receive an allocation of R189.7 billion over the medium term.”

Mchunu said the proliferation of firearms also requires an urgent and a dedicated focus, as most murders are committed using illegal firearms most of which were previously legal firearms.

‘There are just so many firearm-linked crimes in society and the SAPS need to improve its own management of firearms in its possession,’ Mchunu said.

Modernisation initiatives

Mchunu also announced that an amount of R2,845 billion has been set aside for the 2024/25 financial year for modernisation initiatives within the department’s administration programme.

Mchunu said the department recognises the importance of modernising the police service to m
eet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

‘Our modernisation initiatives include upgrading ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure, improving connectivity, and deploying mobile technologies. These technological advancements will enhance our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal activities.’

Core programmes

Meanwhile, Mchunu said the departmental spending over the medium term will focus on core programmes, with visible policing accounting for more than 52% of the total vote in 2024/25.

The Minister noted that the Detective Services Programme also holds significant weight, accounting for more than 20% of the budget.

‘There is an urgent need to have a relook at the budget allocation for detective services and crime intelligence budgets. Policing is a labour-intensive function, necessitating personal engagement between the police and the citizens of our country.

‘Consequently, personnel-related expenditure is the primary cost driver, contributing to more than
80% of the Vote. We will continue to deploy the number of members that can be accommodated within the confines of our allocated compensation budget,’ the Minister said.

He added that the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service is currently processing amendments to the SAPS Act, which was informed by the 1993 Interim Constitution.

‘The Secretariat is also finalising the National Policing Policy, which will serve as an overarching framework for policing and will accommodate the provincial needs and priorities in line with section 206 (1) and (2) of the Constitution,’ Mchunu said.

Source: South African Government News Agency