By Thapelo Molefe
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a more comprehensive approach to fighting crime, stressing that policing alone is not enough to ensure safety in South Africa.
Speaking at the inaugural National Policing Summit held at Emperor’s Palace in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said that the root causes of crime such as poverty, inequality, broken family structures and substance abuse must be addressed alongside traditional law enforcement efforts.
“Addressing crime without understanding its root causes is like a doctor treating a patient for a fever without diagnosing the underlying illness,” the president said.
“Crime is both a cause and a symptom. It is a cause of insecurity and instability in communities. It weakens the social fabric and it is also a symptom of wider problems in a society.”
Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of rebuilding public trust in the SA Police Service (SAPS), strengthening community policing structures and embracing
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