Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the government is actively working to strengthen the police force, aiming to increase the number of officers to 30 000 in the coming years as part of the country’s efforts to combat crime.
The Mashatile was responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on Thursday.
“The [Police] Minister also announced that recruits are being enlisted to increase the capacity of the police in this regard. Ten thousand new trainees have already graduated and over the next financial years, additional trainees will graduate bringing the total number to 30 000 new police officers,” Mashatile said.
A thousand of these recruits have been specifically allocated to enhance the capabilities of public order policing (POP), addressing challenges related to crowd management and associated threats, he said.
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Operation Shanela, a comprehensive plan to combat crime, is being implemented, including efforts to clamp down on illegal mining areas.
Mashatile expressed confidence in the leadership of the minister of police, deputy minister, and commissioner, emphasising collaboration with the private sector to invest in crime-fighting initiatives.
“I have confidence not only in Minister [Bheki] Cele, Deputy Minister [Cassel] Mathale and Commissioner [Fannie] Masemola but in all men and women in blue right to the lowest-ranking police officers who are committed to fighting and defeating crime in our communities,” the deputy president said.
He highlighted the success of programmes such as “Combating Crime through Decisive Police Action and Robust Community Involvement” and the operationalisation of increased Crime Prevention and Combating Action Plans through Operation Shanela.
He urged communities to actively participate in crime-fighting efforts, emphasising cooperation with the police.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
