Police minister Senzo Mchunu has vowed to clamp down on rising levels of crime, aiming to foster a culture of intolerance towards criminality.
Ahead of his budget vote presentation in parliament on Tuesday, the new minister said his priority is to act decisively. He is planning a range of interventions.
The leading crimes in the country are contact crimes such as murders and rapes as well as hijackings and kidnappings for ransom payments. The killing of women and children continues to be cause for serious concern and warrants intensive action from law enforcement, he told a news briefing on Monday.
Our mission is clear. Our country must be safe for all citizens. People all over South Africa must be able to move around at any time without fear of marauding criminals.
Mchunu acknowledged levels and types of crime differ in each province and said province-specific dynamics will have to be considered in the drafting of a national crime prevention strategy.
