Highlights of the State of the Nation Address 2023 - Fight against crime and violence

Fight against crime and violence

“Violent crime takes a heavy toll on every South African. Communities across our country live in fear for the safety of their families. This situation cannot continue.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 9 February 2023, Cape Town City Hall.

Government is strengthening the SAPS to prevent crime and improving the capacity of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and courts to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. 

This includes putting more police on the streets and setting up specialised teams that will focus on specific types of crime. Last year, government undertook to recruit 12 000 new police personnel. Since then, moreFight against crime and violence than 10 000 new recruits graduated from police
academies and a further 10 000 will be recruited and trained this year.

The specialised police teams that are working on tackling crimes like kidnapping, extortion and illegal mining have had several breakthroughs, arresting dozens of suspects and achieving several convictions. Firm action is being taken to tackle economic sabotage
and related crimes that are causing great damage to the economy.

Multidisciplinary Economic Infrastructure Task Teams are now operational in 20 identified hotspots. Last year, President Ramaphosa drew attention to the enormous damage caused by the theft of copper cable and metal from the electricity system, train lines and other public infrastructure. Since then, the police have been cracking down on cable theft.

In December, government introduced a temporary ban on the export of scrap copper cable and certain metals to disrupt criminal syndicates and enable a new trading system to be put in place.

Just as government has embarked on economic reforms in electricity, water, telecommunication and logistics through Operation Vulindlela, it is embarking on a process of reform to improve the effectiveness of its fight against crime. It will use its competitiveness in call centre operations to support the proper functioning of the 10111 helpline, partnering with the private sector. 

“This is to ensure that when people call the police, their calls are answered and their emergencies are attended to.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 9 February 2023, Cape Town City Hall

Government will also use data-driven methods in a more sophisticated way to identify and target crime hotspots. Significantly, more funding will be made available in this budget for the police, the NPA and the Special Investigating Unit.

Prioritising crimes against women and children

WomenCrimes against women and children remain a deeply disturbing feature of the national life. In November last year, government held the second Presidential Summit on GBVF to assess progress in the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP), which it adopted as a comprehensive, effective and united response to this pandemic. 

One of the great successes of governmet’s effort to fight GBV is the extent to which social partners have rallied around the NSP. In January last year, the President signed into law three key pieces of legislation that afford greater protection to survivors of GBV and ensure that perpetrators are no longer able to use legislative loopholes to evade prosecution.

Government continues to improve the accessibility and functioning of Sexual Offences Courts and expand the network of Thuthuzela Care Centres. A key aspect of the NSP is the economic empowerment of women. 

“We must all play our part, as individuals, institutions and leaders across society, to end these crimes against women and children.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 9 February 2023, Cape Town City Hall.

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Source: State of the Nation Address Highlights [PDF]

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