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New Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, on Monday, set out his broad plans to improve law enforcement in the country.
Minister Mchunu said he, and his two deputy ministers, spent the first week in office meeting with the executive management, provincial commissioners, and divisional commissioners of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“This was to gain a greater insight into the portfolio as well as its challenges and opportunities to map out priorities and urgent tasks at hand,” he told a media briefing.
Outlining their priorities, Minister Mchunu said central to the Police Ministry’s strategy is the urgent need to professionalise the South African Police Service.
He said it’s also a priority “to instil positive ethical values, patriotism, and the understanding that the primary duty of a police officer is to always serve and protect the public.”
Mchunu said uprooting corruption and removing corrupt police officers from SAPS will also remain a top priority.
“Misconduct by SAPS members will not be tolerated and action will be taken. Professionalism in the work of the police is also part of the police protection mechanism,” he added.
Minister Mchunu says the Police Ministry will prioritise the capacitation of police stations and provide the necessary tools and vehicles to serve our communities effectively.
The safety of SAPS personnel was also a priority for the Minister and his team while also vowing to tackle contact and other leading crimes, dealing with the so-called construction mafia and gang violence.
Minister Mchunu also reiterated the importance of building strong partnerships against crime.
He said Police Ministry will continue to work together with, among others, community policing forums, the private security industry, as well as communities, and community-based organisations.
