Deputy President Mashatile Calls for Community Cooperation in the Fight Against Rising Crime

Mashatile concluded by encouraging the strengthening of CPFs and reinforcing partnerships between law enforcement and communities to create a safer South Africa.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed the government’s deep concern over the increasing loss of police officers' lives at the hands of criminals, emphasizing that "it cannot be business as usual." Speaking to Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly, Mashatile provided an update on measures being taken to address the alarming rise in fatal encounters between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and criminals.

“This is unacceptable,” the Deputy President said, referencing the recent spate of deadly confrontations. He spoke shortly after attending the SAPS National Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where the nation honored 39 police officers who died in the line of duty between April 2023 and March 2024. The fallen officers’ names were engraved on the SAPS memorial wall as a symbol of the country’s gratitude for their sacrifices in protecting South Africa.

Citing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s recent statement, Mashatile highlighted that 73% of South Africa’s crime occurs in four provinces: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. "The gravity of these crimes, including extortion, is of serious concern," he said.

In response, the government has adopted a comprehensive approach to combatting crime, which includes signing cooperative agreements with provincial and local governments to better integrate resources. Mashatile revealed that the Police Operational Plan currently being rolled out in Cape Town will be expanded to all metropolitan areas across the country. This plan focuses on collaboration between SAPS, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), and private security companies to strengthen crime prevention efforts.

To address the growing criminality, Mashatile noted that National Instruction 1 of 2016, regulating the use of force during arrests, is being enforced to ensure police conduct is lawful and proportionate. "The police are tasked with preventing, combating, and investigating crime while maintaining public order and securing the Republic’s inhabitants, as outlined in Section 205 of the Constitution," he explained.

However, the Deputy President stressed that the fight against crime should not rest solely on the shoulders of the police. He called on MPs and communities to work closely with SAPS to identify and report criminal elements. "Criminals live within communities, and residents know where they reside," Mashatile said, urging community members to assist the police in locating criminals and reducing the need for dangerous shootouts.

Mashatile concluded by encouraging the strengthening of CPFs and reinforcing partnerships between law enforcement and communities to create a safer South Africa.