Cabinet praises efforts to combat crime

Cabinet has welcomed the signing of the Crime Fighting Cooperation Agreement in the Western Cape.

The agreement improves cooperation and coordination among all parties involved in resolving security concerns.

The agreement, signed last Friday, paves the way for the exchange of technologies and resources, information and best practices to improve public policing.

“Through community-based initiatives, integration of resources and development of innovative strategies, the agreement enables a common front between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the province and the municipalities to combat crime and promote public safety,” said Acting Minister in the President’s Office Maropene Ramokgopa during a press conference after the cabinet meeting.

Ramokgopa reiterated the government’s warning against crime, fraud and corruption.

“The government has zero tolerance for crime, fraud and corruption and will hold those who violate the country's laws to account. Cabinet remains committed to ensuring that South Africa is a society where all people feel safe. The recent arrests and convictions of suspects involved in various serious crimes demonstrate the determination to fight crime,” Ramokgopa said at the press conference in Cape Town on Thursday.

READ | Criminals must face the full force of the law – President Ramaphosa

Quarterly crime statistics

The Cabinet also noted the increase in contact crime in the latest quarterly crime statistics for the first quarter of April to June 2024, indicating that more needs to be done to ensure that all citizens feel safe.

Ramokgopa said the SAPS, under the direction of the Department of Police, is actively combating these crimes. This includes confronting suspects in Milnerton, Cape Town, which resulted in deaths and arrests, as well as operations in the Eastern Cape, focusing on Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay. Arrests have also been made in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State in connection with extortion activities.

“Government is implementing a whole-of-government approach, which includes, among other things, the signing of cooperation agreements with provincial and local governments and the launch of operational plans in Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay, with plans to roll these out to all metropolitan areas. [and] “Working with partner departments to improve cooperation in the fight against crime.”

READ | SA's crime figures 'tell a sobering story'

National police policy
The minister also announced that the national police policy will be finalized and adopted by the end of October 2024. It will address issues such as police stations and infrastructure based on norms and standards.

The policy is intended to serve as an overarching framework for policing and to take into account the needs and priorities of the provinces in accordance with Article 206 (1) and (2) of the Constitution. – SAnews.gov.za