‘Police will reclaim streets’
POLICE Minister Fikile Mbalula told parliamentarians yesterday the police would reclaim the streets from criminals and also crush the “serpent” crime with brute force.
“The president’s marching order to us all is that we must end criminality by skilful manoeuvring, or by brute force. We must crush the head of (the) serpent,” he said.
Mbalula and his deputy Bongani Mkongi, with a delegation of the department’s top brass, were making presentations on their budget to the portfolio committee on police.
Mbalula was making his first appearance before Parliament since President Jacob Zuma reshuffled his cabinet.
Mbalula said their mandate was to seize all illegal weapons and “silence” all the guns by 2020.
“We are here to end the violence. We must reclaim the streets, restore the dignity of citizens and the pride of men and women in blue,” said the self-styled “Minister Vasbyt”.
Recalling the police mandate, as contained in the constitution, Mbalula said they were tasked to combat, prevent and investigate crime, as well as maintain public order and secure South Africans and their property.
The police, he said, were required to uphold and enforce the law.
“This is a towering challenge that we have been grappling with as a civilian secretariat and the police service.
“The deputy minister and I are here to provide impetus to the realisation of the stated objectives, as enjoined by the constitution, and as a demonstration of civic duty.”
Mbalula sent a warning to corrupt officers, saying they would be exposed.
“Much as there are men and women who strive for high ethical stands and moral values in the conduct of their daily duties, there are, however, rotten apples within the system that must be unearthed and uprooted.
“We need all hands on deck, as we embark on the fight to combat crime and corruption, and reclaim the streets from criminals and restore peace and order.”
Sketching out some of his visions for the department, Mbalula said safety and security were a prerequisite to investment.
“Crime is a form of economic sabotage hence we must tackle it head on.
“We must all be vigilant in defence of the gains of our freedom.
“Our debate over the next two years must take into account both domestic and international experience to inform our programme of action against crime.”
Mbalula named safety at institutions of learning, safety of women, children and senior citizens, and engaging youth in conflict with law, through sport and transformation, within the SAPS as being among the priorities his department would focus on in the next two years.
During the budget hearing, parliamentarians heard that 76% of the overall SAPS R87.9 billion budget will be spent on employee costs in the 2017/18 financial year.
According to the budget documents, R53bn of the employee costs goes to salaries, R7.7bn to the medical aid scheme, and R1.8 bn in allowances.
As at March, the SAPS had a total of 192 516 employees.