Johannesburg – The Public Servants Association (PSA) has warned there were not enough policemen to protect the more than 60 million people in South Africa.
The PSA said efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to protect people and fight crime are being hampered by shortages of cars, fuel, bullets, and bullet-proof vests.
The PSA said it was “extremely concerned about factors impairing police officers’ ability to serve communities”.
In a statement released Friday to coincide with National Police Day, the union referred to the “shocking” crime statistics released in August last year, which
The statistics revealed that from April to June 2022, nearly 10 000 rapes were recorded, and in those three months some 6 400 people were murdered,
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The PSA said it was “concerned about the effectiveness of the Minister of Police [General Bheki Cele]”.
The union added: “These shocking figures, apart from the impact on society, also impact negatively on foreign investments and tourism, of which the country is in dire need to support the struggling economy and combat unemployment.”
The PSA said it has consistently called for more resources and competent senior managers to be provided to the SAPS as issues of chronic staff shortages, insufficient work tools, including ammunition, and the high rate of maladministration and corruption hinder operations.
There has been a recent recruitment of new police officers, but the union feels many more are needed.
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“This prevailing scenario tarnishes the reputation of honest and hardworking professionals who are trying to protect citizens and communities and impacts their morale,” said the PSA.
“This situation continues to worsen with thousands of skilled SAPS members expected to retire in the foreseeable future.”
In the statement, the PSA urges President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene “as a matter of urgency, especially in respect of SAPS management structures”.
The PSA appealed to communities to support and cooperate with SAPS members to combat the scourge of crime.
The Union repeated its call for a minimum sentence of 80 years imprisonment for persons found guilty of killing a police officer.
“Those found guilty of attacking police stations and stealing firearms and ammunition should face equally harsh sentences,” suggested the PSA.
The PSA said on this National Police Day, it “pays tribute to all police officers and support staff and remembers SAPS members who were killed on and off duty”.
