Capetown, South Africa – The South African Police Service (SAPS) plans to recruit 10,000 new officers for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced this initiative during his first police budget vote speech on Tuesday.
Despite Mchunu outlining his priorities, opposition parties have dismissed the budget, arguing that the department has failed to combat crime effectively.
Mchunu presented a budget of R113 billion, emphasizing that increasing police presence and capacity would be a primary focus.
Also read: ANC’s Bold New Strategy Marginalizes EFF, Shakes Up Political Landscape
“We need to prioritize enhancing police visibility across the country to demonstrate our commitment,” he stated.
However, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi criticized the budget, arguing that the police have consistently underperformed.
“South Africa has seen 27,500 murders under so-called peaceful conditions. In Gaza, amidst war and genocide, 38,000 people have been killed. You have lost the war against crime,” Ndlozi remarked.
The MK Party also opposed the budget, while parties like ActionSA advocated for more funding for crime intelligence and less for VIP protection.
