Speaking during the African National Congress campaign in the Western Cape, Ramaphosa said crime remained a serious concern in Cape Town and other parts of the country.
Ramaphosa said efforts to strengthen law enforcement included identifying and removing police officials involved in corruption or criminal activity. “Crime, of course, not only here in Cape Town but in other areas, is a major problem that we are dealing with,” Ramaphosa said.
“We are addressing that by rooting out wayward police officials and corrupt officials in the police service.”
Ramaphosa said committed police officers should be supported to continue serving communities professionally and with integrity. “We are ensuring that those police who are committed should continue serving the people of our country with distinction and with full commitment to serving the interests of our people,” Ramaphosa said.
The remarks come amid concern about high crime rates, gang violence and pressure on policing resources in several Western Cape communities.
Ramaphosa said the deployment of SA National Defence Force personnel in crime-affected areas was intended to support rather than replace the SA Police Service. “The soldiers act in a supportive role, and we do believe that supportive role has been bolstering the work of the police,” Ramaphosa said.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
