Johannesburg - The Police Ministry has recommitted to increasing support for officers who live to serve the nation.
“We commit ourselves to providing the best resources and developing the most effective strategies in the fight against crime,” said Police Minister Nathi Nhleko.
Minister Nhleko was speaking at the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Excellence Awards ceremony on Friday at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Addressing guests and nominees, Minister Nhleko said the department is looking into how it can best use the latest technology in the fight against crime, particularly in enhancing the National Crime Detection Framework.
“This forms part of the Back to Basics approach to policing, which we have once again adopted and are implementing thoroughly. We seek to ensure that our police officers conduct themselves in a distinctive and disciplined manner.
“We want to see enhanced police visibility by increasing the number of police vehicles and inevitably more police patrols, thus reducing the opportunities for the attempt of, or successful commission of crimes,” Minister Nhleko said.
The Back to Basics approach aims to ensure the optimal use of resources that the department has.
“The strategy is one which we are certain will reap more [rewards] in our pursuit of a crime-free society,” said Minister Nhleko.
He said he was pleased with the number of men and women who have demonstrated that such strategies can work. He commended police officers who have stood firm and upheld the fundamental principles of policing.
“These police officers have indeed gone back to the basics and here they are, being recognised in utmost gratitude and awe by their communities, colleagues, SAPS management and the country at large,” he said.
The third Service Excellence Awards ceremony was held in recognition and honour of SAPS members, reservists and members of the Community Police Forums (CPF), who excelled in serving their communities.
The awards serve as motivation and appreciation to SAPS members’ efforts, who relentlessly strive to enhance service delivery. They also allow for peers to exchange best practices and motivate each other to continue contributing positively towards delivering improved policing services to the country.
Minister Nhleko said it is no easy feat to ensure that all people in South Africa “are and feel safe”.
“It is a task we have an obligation to execute to the best of our abilities. It is a task some of our colleagues have tackled with both hands, breaking the boundaries of policing and service.
“It is through the efforts of these men and women that from 2009 to 2014, the levels of crime have been reduced by 4.3%, with contact crimes having been reduced by 8.3%, contact related crimes by 9.6% and other serious crimes by 4.2%,” the Minister said.
Minister Nhleko thanked the families of police officers, who support them as they dedicate themselves to serving humanity. – SAnews.gov.za
