Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has outlined plans to boost policing in South Africa.(Photo: Ntswe Mokoena/GCIS) 
New Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has made it clear that crime levels in South Africa are increasing and “intolerable,” with murders and kidnappings for ransom among the leading forms of lawbreaking.
Mchunu held a press conference on Monday, 15 July, 2024, to outline his priorities as minister of one of the most critical portfolios in the country, after taking over the reins from Bheki Cele in Cyril Ramaphosa’s new Government of National Unity.
He spoke about issues including plans to boost policing via strengthening some legislation.
Modernised policing
“We will prioritise the amendments to the South African Police Service Act as it is outdated, as it still makes incorrect references to the 1993 Interim Constitution,” Mchunu said. “It needs to be in line with modern-day crime fighting and prevention demands.”
Monday’s briefing was his first full and detailed press conference since taking over from Cele at the end of last month.
Mchunu said that he had spent his first week in office meeting individuals including various police bosses, as well as representatives from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and Private Security Regulatory Authority.
Hawks officers also briefed him, and he had noted concerns, as well as support from members of the public.
‘Intolerable’ crime levels
Mchunu did not mince his words when outlining his view on crime in South Africa.
“The crime levels in the country are on the increase and are intolerable. We need to act decisively and bring this under control,” he said. “The levels and type of crime differ from one province to the other.”
Mchunu added that the situation “requires that we think about what management system is needed overall within the police service”. He said “tough measures” may be needed for certain crime reduction strategies.
Read more in Daily Maverick: Suspected 28s gang and cocaine ties to kidnapping case among SA’s latest abduction developments
“The leading crimes in the country currently are contact crimes such as murders and rape, as well as hijackings and kidnappings for ransom payments,” Mchunu said.
“The killing of women and children also continues to be cause for serious concern and warrants intensive action from law enforcement.”
Gangsterism and shootings
Mchunu also flagged gangsterism in the Western Cape as a concern.
Daily Maverick has reported extensively on this.
Read more in Daily Maverick: A week in the Western Cape — 54 guns seized, 52 people shot dead and anti-gang ‘lockdown’ proposed
During his address on Monday, Mchunu said: “Gang violence is also on the rise, noticeably in the Western Cape.
“The situation must be brought under control so that children in the Cape Flats, Khayelitsha (Site C), parts of Nelson Mandela Bay and parts of Gauteng can be able to play in the streets without fear of being hit by stray bullets.”
Last month three children were killed when gunmen opened fire in a barbershop in Khayelitsha.
Construction mafia
Mchunu said that “construction mafia” crimes were also being taken seriously and remained a priority.
“This trend is associated with destructive activities which disrupt construction and infrastructure development, which our country urgently requires.
“Genuine quests for economic transformation can be handled through the correct channels and using existing policy prescripts, without resorting to hijacking construction sites and using extortion to source business.”
Read more in Daily Maverick: Suspect arrested for Cape Town ‘construction mafia’ murder of city worker Wendy Kloppers
Mchunu flagged the issue of firearms being used in crimes.
Guns and private security legislation
“There are too many guns out there in the streets, and firearms remain the weapon of choice in many violent crimes,” he said.
“We are intensifying our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our streets and are ensuring improved gun control measures.”
#sapsWC The determination of members of the Western Cape #SAPS, to rid communities of the illegal possession of firearms, yielded success during #CrimePrevention initiatives in Brown's Farm, Nyanga, on Saturday, 13/07. 2 Suspects are due to make their respective court… pic.twitter.com/ykpscnRc6m
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 15, 2024
He said some issues relating to this had been picked with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, which is the private security sector’s watchdog.
Read more in Daily Maverick: Cops target Cape Town security firm accused of having another business’s shotguns and pistols
Daily Maverick has before reported on the issue of some private security companies operating with firearms they are not meant to have.
On Monday, speaking about broader firearms issues, Mchunu said: “In this regard, the private security industry legislation will be reviewed.”
He did not go into much detail about the problems of police firearms going missing or officers being involved in the smuggling of guns to criminals or crime suspects – issues that have before cropped up.
Mchunu said SAPS officers needed to work in a conducive environment.
They also needed sufficient tools to carry out their jobs.
AI and advanced technologies
“Criminals have become sophisticated over the years and old-fashioned crime fighting and detection methods will not succeed,” Mchunu said.
“We will prioritise the rollout of new technologies to detect and deter crimes. Advanced technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and digital communication tools enable police to better predict, prevent, and respond to criminal activities.”
Such tools could provide police officers with real time information that could enhance their work, including investigations.
Mchunu on Monday also announced various priorities to sharpen and polish the SAPS, which has before been the scene of infighting.
Professionalising the police
He referenced the Crime Intelligence unit.
It previously emerged that there were problems relating to the unit.
Read more in Daily Maverick: Former Crime Intelligence secret fund head is facing corruption probe; he is also the new acting divisional commissioner
On Monday, Mchunu said: “Crime intelligence is the backbone of policing and will be an apex priority…
“Certainly, our budget on this matter needs to be reviewed.”
He also spoke about stamping out corruption.
“Central to our strategy is the urgent need to professionalise the SAPS and 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.
Corruption and misconduct would not be tolerated. Mchunu said it was basically the easiest way to exit the police service as there was no space for it.
“We want to change the negative perceptions of our police officers,” he said. “People must respect police officers, have confidence in them and feel safe in their midst.”
‘Attack a cop, you attack the state’
Mchunu on Monday also reiterated how serious attacks on police officers were viewed.
“Attacking any police officer is really an attack on the state,” he said.
“You will be regarded, and treated, as such.”
#sapsHAWKS [POLICE KILLINGS] An attack on a police official, is an attack on the State. Police officers are a protective layer ensuring that law abiding people are protected against criminals. #Sentencing #PoliceKillings ME pic.twitter.com/qkyr27hgNf
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 28, 2024
Mchunu described those who attacked police officers as “attacking the buffer between the citizens and anarchy, and this will not be tolerated”.
He added: “Our hearts go out to all families who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty, or even off duty.” DM
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