Cape Town — Police Minister Bheki Cele has revealed that the police spend up to R300 million per year to feed suspects in holding cells, a figure that increases when they request legal aid.
“We have been doing budget and we have budgeted R300 million for the food of criminals, people that we arrest, we budget R300 million for them to eat in our cells. We budget for them to get food as we arrest them,” eNCA reported Cele as saying.
He added: “And when we arrest them, the first thing the magistrate asks them is ‘do you have a lawyer?’ and that money is paid by the state.”
🇿🇦 *WATCH | Crime in SA: R300m per year to feed suspects in holding cells*
The police spends R300-million a year to feed suspects in holding cells. That was revealed by Police Minister, Bheki Cele. He says that number swells even further when suspects request legal aid. pic.twitter.com/sIlkOSXzPQ
— 🔞SA911 (@JustdoitZee) December 10, 2023
Meanwhile, Cele also announced that the police are ready ahead of the festive season, as they anticipate a high volume of crime.
More than 10 000 additional police officers will be deployed as they try to clamp down on crime. Most of the officers will be placed in crime hotspots across the country
“Just 15 days to go before Christmas Day, the police ministry and SAPS management would like to assure the nation that all hands are on deck to protect citizens and their property.”
“Holiday season is a time where criminals sharpen and refine their skills for operations, taking advantage of the festive mood. We, as the country’s law enforcement, have and will continue, to upscale our responses to crime for this holidays, and beyond,” he said.
“The bite of the South African police will be stronger as we welcome 10 000 new police officers. The ‘2023 Project 10 000 Police recruitment Drive’ is a direct response to the call from His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa,” Cele said.
The South African Police say they’re ready to bust crime this festive season. Minister Bheki Cele announced there will be an additional 10, 000 boots on the ground to clampdown on criminals. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/fTe37OPKFX
— eNCA (@eNCA) December 10, 2023
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
