Gun violence, crime intelligence top Mchunu’s agenda
Ahead of Tuesday's tabling of the police budget vote in Parliament, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu briefed the media on his ministry's priority areas.
Mchunu takes over from Bheki Cele ahead of the announcement of the fourth quarter crime statistics.
The minister, along with his two deputies, Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, and national commissioner Fannie Masemola, addressed the media in Tshwane on Monday.
Mchunu endorsed the current police leadership: "We have full confidence in the commissioner [and his team]. We are cautious of this exercise as we do it, but we hope that they will continue to work hard and earn the confidence that we give them. We will give the national commissioner enough space to operate and exercise his duties as we provide oversight and leadership.”
The minister also addressed the issues of gun violence, crime intelligence and the professionalisation of the service, saying these are among his top priorities.
He says that after meeting with the top police brass and associated organisations, such as the Independent Police Investigating Directorate, the ministry was able to outline priority programmes.
This includes amendments to existing, outdated legislation.
“We will prioritise the amendments to the South African Police Service Act as it is outdated, as it still makes incorrect references to the 1993 Interim Constitution.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,” said the minister.
Other considerations will include a possible review of the budget to support interventions to curb gender-based violence, and to capacitate crime intelligence.
"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,” Mchunu explained.
REBUILDING TRUST IN POLICE SERVICE
Mchunu also vowed to root out corruption and address misconduct in the police service. He warned officers contemplating any underhanded dealings that this would be the quickest way out of employment through disciplinary processes.
This comes as three officers were arrested at the weekend for allegedly robbing a motorist earlier in July.
He pointed to professionalisation in the police service as one way of ensuring officers can protect themselves and the communities they serve.
"We will strive to continue bolstering capacity and to enhance police training. Police officers must attend regular refresher courses to stay operationally ready. We will also strengthen some existing units within the police force."
He said the introduction of technology to bolster the work of the police is necessary so that they are able to keep up with criminals who are becoming more sophisticated. This will include the rollout of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and surveillance systems.
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