House Chairperson, I present this response to the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Reports on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, (IPID) the Civilian Secretariat for Police Services, (CSPS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the 2024/25 financial year on behalf of ACDP President, Rev. Kenneth Meshoe MP.
We have consistently reminded this House that government’s central role is to protect its citizens. Despite SAPS receiving some R113,5 billion, CSPS R155 million, and IPID R370 million in the budget here, South Africans continue to live in fear and our communities remain ravaged by crime, murder, drug abuse and gender-based violence.
The 2024/25 SAPS Annual Report records progress in certain operational areas, but also acknowledges serious ongoing investigations into widespread police corruption. This is South Africa’s new world of accountability, and we must ensure that IPID is properly resourced to pursue these cases without fear or favour and that wrong doers are not only exposed, but arrested, prosecuted and jailed where appropriate. South Africans have had enough of crime exposure without consequence.
The Civilian Secretariat’s oversight role is vital, yet its performance report highlights gaps in monitoring and evaluation. Parliament must demand stronger coordination between CSPS and SAPS to restore public trust.
The ACDP concurs with the motion on Tuesday to establish an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the causes of the violent crime in Cape Town. We repeat the need for transparent statistics and citizen reporting, for ethical leadership, and urgent reforms to ensure that every citizen feels safe in their home, workplace and community.
I thank you.
