‘We will be recruiting 12 000 police officers countrywide’ – Ramaphosa says

Unpacking the much-anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) for 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that the government will employ over 12 000 police officers countrywide to combat crime.

For provision of combating criminal elements and improving efficiency of safe societies, Ramaphosa said the country is at the last straw when it comes to lawbreaking elements, and government is now bound to strengthen the capacity of the South African Police Service.

Ramaphosa said with grave concern, the national police force is overpowered, and this is the time for the government to open more doors to ensure stability and order is restored.

“Resources will be made available to recruit and train 12 000 new police personnel to ensure the SAPS increases it’s capacity,” stated Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa further addressed that another area of immediate attention will be the ‘re-establishment of community policing forums’ to improve relations and coordination between local police and residents of the areas they serve.

“It is clear from the observations of the expert panel that we need to take a more inclusive approach to assessing the threats to our country’s security and determining the necessary responses,” he said.

He also added that these measures will go a long way to address the serious concerns about the breakdown of law and order in society.

Taking the plunge at the high rising gender-based violence cases, Ramaphosa said the fight against gender-based violence will never be won unless social action is implemented.

“As a society, we must mobilise all formations and all citizens must be behind a sustained programme of social action.

“We will want to reduce high numbers of gender-based cases which is an endless pandemic,” said Ramaphosa.

“In bid to destroy this monster called GBV we have to implement social action as the nation, the real fight is against gender-based violence and for us to defeat this pandemic, it doesn’t only need the government but all of us,” he said.

In his closing address, Ramphosa stressed that government must work for the people.