Mchunu outlines major police reforms, new trainee intake

THE National Police boss, Senzo Mchunu, said crime levels in South Africa remain unacceptably high and outlined a series of reforms to strengthen law enforcement.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

Speaking on Friday morning at the SAPS Academy in Pretoria, Mchunu reflected on his first year in office and the state of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“It has been 11 months and 14 days since the new administration was ushered in and the new Ministry took office,” he said.

“Shortly after joining the Ministry, we received an elaborate orientation from SAPS top management, which helped us assess the current crime-fighting programs and the organogram.”

Mchunu said it soon became clear that some programs and structures, while helpful, had significant shortcomings.

“Where changes were necessary, we have implemented them - and will continue to do so,” Mchunu said.

Mchunu acknowledged that while crime statistics showed a slight decline, public sentiment suggested otherwise.

“Murder, the proliferation of illegal firearms, and drug trafficking are among the critical crimes we've prioritised,” he said.