Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa says the high levels of crime in South Africa continues to undermine the economy and have a negative effect on citizens and businesses.
Ramaphosa was speaking during the passing out parade of some 1 400 newly trained police officers in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. He said that the government, along with the help of the police, will continue to fight the high crime rate in the country, SABC News reported.
“Our country is under siege from criminals. Crime is wreaking havoc in our communities, destroying lives and tearing lives apart. Crime is undermining our economy – destroying small and large businesses alike and holding back a sustainable economic recovery. Our people are tired of crime,” says Ramaphosa.
TODAY!
President @CyrilRamaphosa officiates the South African Police Service passing-out parade where 1 400 newly trained officers will be certified as ready for the fight against crime.#PassingOutParade pic.twitter.com/JVI41ELly6
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 14, 2023
According to EWN, the new officers form part of a massive police recruitment drive which will see 10 000 newly trained graduates deployed to various police units across the country.
Ramaphosa said crime remains a major setback for the country’s growth, and acknowledged that crime is affecting businesses and that people have become tired of criminals operating with impunity.
He added that the new graduates will be deployed to public order policing, visible policing, child protection, and sexual offences as well as detective units.
It is believed that task force and National Intervention Unit (NIU) members are leaving in their droves as they jump ship to private security and VIP protection services.
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Picture: X/@CyrilRamaphosa
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
