Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says SAPS in process of finalising crime-fighting plan
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has revealed that the government is finalizing a new crime-fighting plan aimed at reforming visible policing and improving law enforcement efforts across South Africa.
Mchunu made the announcement while responding to oral questions in the National Assembly, where he outlined the new approach that will bring multiple policing units together under a single umbrella to combat crimes such as taxi violence, murder, and robbery.
A Unified Crime-Fighting Strategy
Mchunu emphasized that the new plan will introduce structural changes to the Visible Policing (Vispol) division, creating a more effective and coordinated approach to crime prevention.
The restructured policing system will be divided into two sections:
- The traditional visible policing division, responsible for patrolling and maintaining public order.
- A combat-focused division, which will strengthen crime response efforts by incorporating elite units such as the Tactical Response Team (TRT), the National Intervention Unit (NIU), and the Special Task Force.
Additionally, the government will be introducing new specialized units dedicated to tackling murder, robbery, and taxi violence, addressing some of the country’s most pressing crime issues.
Addressing Taxi Violence and Violent Crime
One of the key priorities of the new crime-fighting plan is to tackle taxi violence, which has plagued parts of South Africa for decades.
Taxi-related crimes, including deadly disputes between rival associations, have led to countless deaths and instability in urban and rural transport networks.
By creating a dedicated taxi violence unit, the government aims to:
- Investigate and intervene in disputes before they escalate into violence.
- Dismantle criminal syndicates involved in illegal activities within the taxi industry.
- Improve law enforcement presence in areas most affected by taxi-related crime.
Beyond taxi violence, Mchunu highlighted the increasing rates of murder and armed robbery in South Africa, which have contributed to rising fears about public safety. The introduction of specialized murder and robbery units will allow law enforcement to focus resources on high-priority cases, ensuring quicker response times and more thorough investigations.
Strengthening Tactical Response Teams
Another major aspect of the plan is the strengthening of specialized tactical units, which will be integrated into the new policing structure to handle high-risk situations.
The Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the National Intervention Unit (NIU) will work alongside the new units, focusing on:
- Violent protests and unrest
- High-risk arrests and operations
- Gang-related crime and organized crime syndicates
By streamlining operations between different policing divisions, Mchunu believes law enforcement will be better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal activity.
Government’s Commitment to Crime Reduction
The announcement comes as the South African government faces mounting pressure to curb violent crime and restore public trust in the police force.
Over the years, inefficiencies, corruption, and underfunding have hampered the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, leading to widespread criticism from citizens and opposition parties.
Mchunu reassured Members of Parliament that the new policing strategy is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen security and law enforcement across the country.
“This is a proactive approach,” Mchunu stated. “We are creating a more effective policing structure that will improve visibility, enhance investigations, and ultimately reduce crime in our communities.”
Public and Political Reactions
While some lawmakers welcomed the proposed changes, others raised concerns about implementation challenges, funding constraints, and accountability mechanisms.
Critics argue that police reforms in South Africa have failed in the past due to poor leadership and lack of coordination. However, Mchunu remains optimistic that the new crime-fighting strategy will bring positive change.
“The safety of our people is our priority. We are determined to restore confidence in law enforcement and make South Africa a safer place,” he concluded.
What’s Next?
The government is expected to finalize the details of the plan in the coming months, with an official rollout expected later this year.
As South Africa continues to battle high crime rates, the success of this initiative will depend on effective execution, proper resource allocation, and strong leadership within the police force.
