The union was responding to crime statistics released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, which showed an overall decline in most crime categories during the fourth quarter. Despite this improvement, sexual offences, including rape, have increased, raising concern among stakeholders.

SAPU Spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said the current number of new police recruits is insufficient to meet the demands of a growing population. “Ten thousand new officers are not enough. It’s a drop in the ocean. The police are stretched thin, and without proper support, we can’t expect lasting progress,” he said.

Thobakgale highlighted the importance of technology in crime prevention, especially in the face of increasingly sophisticated criminal activity. “We’ve seen drones being used, but they’re still limited in number. When it comes to cybercrime, we are up against individuals who are highly skilled. SAPS must be equipped to stay ahead of them,” he said.

The union is calling on government to prioritise investment in both personnel and modern crime-fighting tools, warning that failure to do so could undermine recent gains in public safety.

While SAPU welcomed the decline in overall crime, it stressed that long-term success depends on sustainable strategies that match the pace of the country’s social and technological challenges.

-ChannelAfrica--