25 May 2004
The Safety and Security of all our citizens and communities
Madam Speaker
The ANC strategy and tactics document says, I quote: " The battle against crime cannot be separated from the war on want". This document goes further and says that Crime is a scourge that does not respect borders, with syndicates continuously and consistently making the entire globe the theatre of their criminal operations.
We are pleased to say, Madam Speaker that, the ANC-led government has embarked on the National Crime Preventing Strategy that allows the SAPS to focus on preventing crime before it occurs or re-occurs. This strategy does not only remedy criminal situations, it also addresses the root causes of crime.
There are two approaches that are outlined by The Crime Combating Strategy: first is the Geographic Approach and the other one is the Organized Crime Approach. These approaches, Madam Speaker, necessitate SAPS to identify resources that will be compatible for each crime spots. Imperative is to distribute resources where they are needed the most.
Also, through these two approaches, SAPS has managed to identify the following areas as the Department's Priorities:
As a new focus, Sector Policing has become an effective tool, becoming a practical manifestation of community policing. Sector Policing as a tool will not only improve communication between the Police and the community; it will also determine the needs, problems and identify criminal hotspot on a continuous and consistent basis.
Kuluntu ngokubanzi masincedisane nalamadela-kufa, oomabamba isikhali ngobubanzi baso ngokuzijula ijacu, bekhonzela isizwe xa iinjubaqa ziphazamisa ucwangco.
Madam Speaker, the President in his State of Nation address said 152 000 police officers will be in place by 2006. It must be highlighted here that this process is already in progress. A policy on the recruitment and use of reservists has already been developed.
On serious crimes against women and children, there are programmes in place including Victim Empowerment Programmes. The victim charter of services and the development of a policy on victim empowerment are being finalized. Shelter for abused women are amongst the SAPS areas of priorities. Victim friendly facilities have been provided at Presidential and Priority police stations. In most police stations, communities and NGO's run these services on voluntary basis, thus enhancing community involvement in the process.
Madam Speaker, Rape should have priority in the criminal justice system, especially on the part of investigation and prosecution authority. Child protection and sexual offences units need to get additional resources in 2005/6 budget so as to enhance their functions. This increment will yield to clear programme plans and implementation on how increased resources will be utilized.
Madam Speaker, a conference on human trafficking held in Pretoria at the beginning of May 2004- heard that South Africa is a major destination and source for international child trafficking. Susan Kreston of the Council of National Centre for Justice and Rule of Law in USA, told the conference that between 28,000-38 000 children were currently being prostituted in SA.
Having said that, Madam Speaker, we are pleased to learn that an accelerated programme to transform the immigration service and improve border control and security is underway.
Madam Speaker, our men and women in Blue who sacrifice their lives in dangerous situations are to be saluted for the good work. We would like to commend the Police for a job-well done during our National elections. This follows a host of other successful National and International events that South Africa hosted for the past years.
Tshwarang jwalo banna le basadi, hare tshireletseng tokoholo yena yarona, ere efumaneng ka thata. Tshwarang kathata batho beso-Zizi olebuletse tsela.
I thank you.
Speech by ANC MP, MM Sotyu