By Thapelo Molefe
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu closed the National Policing Summit with a commitment to structural reform, improved officer support and stronger anti-crime strategies.
Speaking at Emperors Palace in Gauteng on Thursday, Mchunu said the summit, which spanned three days, would not be a once-off event, but would be held every five years as a permanent feature endorsed by Cabinet.
The meeting focused on assessing crime trends, evaluating weaknesses in the policing system and preparing for future challenges.
Mchunu announced several new initiatives aimed at supporting police officers, including the launch of a 24/7 toll-free mental health hotline, which will give members access to trauma debriefing and peer support services.
“We will be introducing the Care for the Caregiver programme to avoid compassion fatigue among wellness professionals. This will be implemented by the end of the year,” the minister said.
He confirmed that the Ministry had finalised an updated organisational structure.
A detective investigator allowance would be introduced, and the promotion policy would be reviewed to boost morale.
These matters will be tabled at the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council.
Mchunu also referenced recent improvements in police compensation.
“A 5.5% cost of living adjustment, an increase in the service allowance from R700 to R950 and a housing allowance increase to R1900 were implemented on 1 April 2025,” he said.
Mchunu urged police officers to avoid over-indebtedness and to use the housing allowance to buy homes.
He reiterated his department’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“We are committed to restructuring SAPS anti-corruption units into one integrated unit and improving proactive ethical conduct measures,” he said.
Top crime-fighting priorities outlined included reducing murder rates, removing illegal firearms and drugs from communities, and tackling gender-based violence and femicide.
Additional focus areas included stock theft, cash-in-transit heists, kidnappings and extortion.
“The big question is whether we have the capacity and energy to implement the outcomes. I believe we do,” the minister said.
To support these goals, Mchunu said the SAPS would invest in improving technology, strengthening crime intelligence, upskilling detectives, and revitalising forensic services.
He framed the summit as a “refresher, energiser and platform for renewal”, and urged police leadership to leave inspired and ready to act.
“In a country where criminals pursue personal interests, we must pursue the public interest. Our legitimacy lies in our ability to deliver safety and justice,” Mchunu said.
“Our solemn duty is to ensure citizens feel safe every day. If we cannot remove the root causes of crime, then we must remove the criminals themselves.”
INSIDE POLITICS
