With crime levels in the country becoming increasing intolerable, new Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said on Monday the integration of technology in police services is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness and overall capability of law enforcement.

Mchunu outlined the Ministry of Police's priorities for the seventh administration, and highlighted that the South African Police Service (Saps) needed to act decisively to bring crime under control.

He said the levels and types of crime differed from one province to the other, noting that the Saps needed to take this into account as it implemented the Integrated National Crime Prevention Strategy.

“This scenario also requires that we think about what management system is needed overall within the police service, which will enable us to respond effectively to the serious challenge we face. It is our view and understanding that tough measures may need to be taken to reduce crime where necessary,” he explained.

He highlighted that the Saps would prioritise the roll out of new technologies to detect and deter crimes.

“Advanced technologies such as data analytics, AI, surveillance systems, and digital communication tools enable police to better predict, prevent, and respond to criminal activities,” he explained.

He noted that these tools provided officers with real-time information, improve decision-making, and facilitate faster, more accurate investigations.

Mchunu said technology also enhanced transparency and accountability and fostered greater public trust.

“We will benchmark against other successful law enforcement agencies worldwide and endeavour to bring Saps on par with the best in terms of technology and operational efficiency,” he added.

He noted that the leading crimes in the country currently were contact crimes such as murders and rape, as well as hijackings and kidnappings for ransom payments. 

The killing of women and children also continued to be cause for serious concern and warranted intensive action by law enforcement, he said.

“Gang violence is also on the rise, noticeably in the Western Cape. The situation must be brought under control so that children in the Cape Flats, Khayelitsha (Site C), parts of Nelson Mandela Bay and parts of Gauteng can be able to play in the streets without fear of being hit by stray bullets,” Mchunu said.

He stated that the issue of “construction mafias” was taken seriously, noting that destructive activities disrupted construction and infrastructure development, which the country urgently required.

“Genuine quests for economic transformation can be handled through the correct channels and using existing policy prescripts, without resorting to hijacking construction sites and using extortion to source business. This matter will continue to receive priority attention,” he said.

Meanwhile, he noted that his ministry had spent the first week in office meeting with the executive management, provincial commissioners and divisional heads of the Saps.

He said this was to ensure the ministry had a broad understanding of the portfolio, including the challenges and opportunities.