Leading government officials should not only speak out about the crime situation when prominent people like Kiernan “AKA” Forbes fall victim. They should be devastated by any of the other 78 ordinary South Africans who are murdered daily too. In fact, they should effectively put an end to the soaring crime situation altogether.
Action Society suggests that the management of the South African Police Service be restructured and replaced by competent and experienced officials.
They also need to determine which high-ranking police officials benefit, have ties with crime and corruption, and act swiftly to remove them from their positions. The SAPS needs to reflect integrity from the top down.
“It is extremely alarming that there are around 3,8 million illegal firearms in circulation in South Africa,” said Ian Cameron, director of community safety at Action Society. “Add to that the trend of appointing criminal leaders in senior police positions and Pres. Ramaphosa’s silence on organised crime during his SONA and we have to wonder how deep the criminal and corrupt roots are nestled in the police and government structures.”
Instead of announcing committee after committee and introducing legislation upon legislation, the SAPS should utilise the current resources effectively.
“Pay good police officers proper salaries, restore crime intelligence capabilities and reinstate specialised units that can effectively deal with serious violent crime,” said Cameron.