Crime has a severe impact on the quality of life of all South Africans, particularly the poor. High levels of crime also efforts to stimulate growth, increase investment and reduce poverty.

Over the past year, we have continued to direct significant resources and effort to fight crime and keep communities around the country safe. An additional 12 000 new police personnel will be recruited to ensure that the South African Police Service (SAPS) urgently gets the capacity it needs.

In 2022, an additional R8.7 billion has been allocated to the police budget, and R1 billion allocated to implement personnel reforms.

“We are taking steps to safeguard our democracy, protect our economic infrastructure and build safer communities for all.”

~ President Cyril Ramaphosa

SONA 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

1.  An additional 12 000 new police personnel will be recruited to ensure the SAPS has the capacity it needs.
2. Specialised multi-disciplinary units have been established to address economic sabotage, extortion at construction sites and vandalism of infrastructure.
3. Community policing forums will be re-established to improve relations and coordination between local police and residents.
4. The National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is being implemented.
5. Our security services are developing implementation plans to address the range of recommendations made by the expert panel into the July unrest.

PROGRESS SINCE SONA 2021

1. Key anti-GBV laws passed, strengthening criminal justice response and supporting survivors
2. R324 million in illegal drugs seized
3. R21 billion allocated for the National Strategic Plan on GBV over the next 3 years
4. DNA processing backlog reduced from 210 000 case exhibits to around 58 000