Going back to the basics of policing is a top priority for SAPS
Going back to the basics of policing is set to become the defining characteristic of the South African Police Service (SAPS)’s turnaround strategy aimed at reclaiming and restoring public confidence in the police service.
The approach which is anchored on four key pillars namely; Visible Policing, Detectives and Investigations, Crime Intelligence and Social Interaction was expanded on by SAPS leadership during the TNA Business Briefing held at the Sandton Convention Centre this morning.
Minister of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko, Deputy Minister of Police Maggie Sotyu and the Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane shared broad plans with the public under the theme: Back to Basics Towards a Safer Tomorrow.
Nhleko said that the manner in which SAPS interacts with the public has a bearing on policing as communities form an integral part of creating a safer environment for all who resides in South African. “The deployment of resources on the ground must be informed by sound intelligent work which is linked to the social interactions the police have with various stakeholders.”
The Minister pointed out that the Back to Basics strategy will also see closer attention being paid to the work of the detectives and how investigations are handled with the view of increasing the success rate in this area.
He also stressed that to ensure maximum visibility the police will swell public spaces as from this festive season and beyond.
Deputy Minister Sotyu pointed that the Back to Basics approach places the wellness of police officers as a top priority and that it is critical that the morale of the men and women in blue be lifted to ensure that their primary preoccupation remains ensuring the safety of all within the Republic.
Responding to a question on police brutality and police killings acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Phahlane appealed to the public to work closely with the police to ensure that these incidents are rooted out.
“The killing of officers hurts big time and it is worrying. An attack on the police is an attack on the state. We therefore appeal to the community to assist us by providing information so that we can investigate and being perpetrators to book.
Equally so we have called on our members to exercise maximum restraint especially when dealing with public protests. This has been clearly demonstrated in the ongoing student protests where we have had no casualties.”
Phahlane pointed out that he is confident that the majority of the men and women in blue that he leads are dedicated to upholding the constitutional obligation of ensuring the safety of all citizens. He emphasised the importance of working collectively across all levels within SAPS to live up to their mandate.
Enquiries:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi (Acting National Commissioner Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 373 2408
Musa Zondi (Ministerial Spokesperson)
Cell: 076 331 4810
