Cabinet says the latest crime statistics point to steady progress in the fight against violent crime, with fewer murders and a decline in overall contact crimes across the country. However, it has raised serious concern over the rising number of police officers being killed.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told the media that President Cyril Ramaphosa has instructed police leadership to assess the circumstances surrounding these killings and to strengthen measures to better protect officers.
She said the downward trend in violent crime, which began in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year, has been sustained, with an 8.7% decrease recorded in the latest period.
“The downward trend that began in Q1 of 2023/24 has been sustained, with a recorded 8.7% decrease. Twenty-three officers lost their lives, with approximately 80% killed while off duty. The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service has been tasked with a full assessment to prevent these deaths,” Ntshavheni said.
The South African Police Service National Commissioner is expected to conduct a comprehensive review aimed at identifying risk factors and implementing preventative strategies.
Ntshavheni added that clear action plans are being put in place to fast-track the implementation of key reforms announced during the State of the Nation Address. These reforms are aimed at tackling critical national challenges, including the water crisis, organised crime, foot-and-mouth disease and governance failures in struggling municipalities.
On the water crisis, she said the President will chair a dedicated Water Crisis Committee to coordinate all interventions.
“The President will chair a water crisis committee that will consolidate and coordinate all interventions aimed at resolving South Africa’s water challenges. The committee will finalise a water action plan focusing on short-, medium- and long-term interventions required to ensure that water flows from the taps,” she said.
Cabinet maintains that these coordinated efforts are intended to stabilise service delivery and strengthen governance across the country.
VOC News
Photo: @PresidencyZA
