Action Society today welcomed the announcement that the latest crime stats will soon be released following an urgent letter sent to the newly appointed Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron.
We recently sent a letter to Mr. Ian Cameron wherein we request answers to questions that have been plaguing the police for a very long time, namely the outstanding crime statistics, an updated sexual offenders list and a solution to the current DNA backlog which has become a massive hurdle in solving crimes in South Africa.
Action Society believes that collaboration between civil society and this committee is essential for driving meaningful change.
While Action Society welcomes the announcement that the crime stats will be released soon, our letter requests clarification on the following pressing issues:
1) True and transparent statistics regarding the current DNA backlog numbers.
2) A clear timeline for when the Sexual Offenders list will be updated and made available to protect families.
3) Clarity on the committee’s stance on the devolution of policing powers through
legislative amendments.
“In our eyes, the devolution of police power is a crucial change we want to see. Action Society has been advocating for this reform for a very long time, and we believe that Cameron’s appointment in a strong position of leadership could herald change. Therefore we propose an amendment to Section 64E of the South African Police Service Act, 68 of 1995 to further empower municipal police services,” said Action Society’s Juanita du Preez.
Additionally, Action Society is deeply concerned about the recent announcement by the new
Minister of Police regarding the allocation of R2 billion for VIP protection services. This
decision was part of the R113.6 billion budget tabled in Parliament, where the
protection and security services programme received R4.09 billion, with VIP protection
services alarmingly taking 53.1% of that amount.
“Action Society unequivocally condemns this prioritisation of ministers’ safety over the
safety of ordinary South African citizens. It is unacceptable that while more than 80
people are killed and 135 rapes are reported daily, such a significant portion of the
budget is being diverted to luxury protection services for ministers. This money should
be redirected to ensuring the safety of all South Africans, particularly the most
vulnerable.”
“Mr Cameron, we urge you to engage with us and support our cause to make South Africa a safer place for all its residents. Together, we can champion a justice system that serves and protects its citizens effectively,” concluded du Preez.
