Cooperation between communities and SAPS now of crucial importance – AfriForum

16 July 2024 

The civil rights organisation AfriForum believes that the newly appointed Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, shows an understanding of the seriousness and extent of the crime situation in the country, and emphasises that closer cooperation between communities and law enforcement authorities is now of critical importance for crime-fighting initiatives to succeed.

The organisation further argues that Mchunu’s outline of priorities that need urgent attention in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the fight against crime, is an important step in the right direction. Yesterday, Mchunu outlined the priorities for his portfolio at a media conference in Pretoria.

AfriForum stresses that time will tell whether Mchunu will suit the action to the word, but wished the Minister all the best and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to cooperation with law enforcement authorities.

“AfriForum’s 177 neighbourhood and farm watch structures have an excellent cooperative working relationship with the SAPS at ground level and we will continue to foster these relationships. We are also looking forward to working with a Police Minister who also emphasises cooperation,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety.

Broodryk, however, confirmed that AfriForum will not shy away from calling out and fighting any incompetence, corruption or political interference in the SAPS. “We will continue to intensify our efforts to train and equip communities to look after their own safety. We wish the Minister all the best with the enormous task at hand,” concludes Broodryk.

Issued by Jacques Broodryk, Chief Spokesperson: Community Safety, AfriForum, 16 July 2024