/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Even as budget cuts strike another body blow to policing, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) will host its Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting in Johannesburg next week to discuss the growing resource crisis in South Africa’s criminal justice cluster, among other issues. 

During the five-day conference, over 800 delegates, academics, guests, and other stakeholders will gather to examine the state’s response to rising waves of crime and violence. Attendees will receive updates from department and agency leaders, explore the policy research by POPCRU aimed at addressing structural weaknesses in the criminal justice system, and debate the measures needed to strengthen the fight against crime. 

According to POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya, one of the most pressing issues will be whether South Africa’s crime-fighting efforts are being set up for failure amidst a dire lack of resources. This is especially given the latest round of budget cuts and under allocation to the criminal justice cluster revealed by the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday. 

Criminal justice cluster takes a back seat in revised budget

National Treasury’s Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure (AENE) reveals that 2024/2025 police budgets have been slashed from the R125.0 billion allocated by February’s 2024 National Budget to only R113.6 billion – an astronomic 9% decrease. Correctional services, meanwhile, has received a mere 2.18% hike from its R27.2 billion budget in 2023/2024, totalling R27.8 billion in 2024/2025 – an increase almost half the rate of inflation, effectively leaving prisons even poorer.

“The proposed budget cut is not aligned with South Africa's crime-fighting strategy. Furthermore, it raises concerns about the political willingness to ensure the state's constitutional obligation to secure and protect its citizens. We urge the government to allocate sufficient funds for more police, traffic, and correctional officials, as well as justice personnel to handle cases, deliver sentences, and provide adequate prisoner care,” states Ngwenya. 

With crime surging, he additionally stresses the urgent need for a substantial increase in front-line personnel rather than focus on senior management. "Our resources must target production-level positions—those on the ground who are directly involved in combatting crime. Police officers and correctional staff need reinforcements.”

Specifically, POPCRU demands:

• Increased police presence to tackle South Africa's high crime rate;
• Improved traffic management to reduce accidents and ensure road safety;
• Adequate correctional services to provide sufficient prisoner wardens and facilities; and
• An effective justice system to deliver swift and fair sentences.

“The budget should prioritise the safety and well-being of South African citizens, as mandated by the Constitution.” 

Issues spotlighted at upcoming CEC

The upcoming CEC meeting will feature an in-depth diagnostic review of South Africa’s criminal justice system. POPCRU will revisit resolutions from its 2023 Policing Indaba, questioning whether South Africa is genuinely winning the fight against crime. Professor Kholofelo Rakubu from the Tshwane University of Technology and Dr. Metji Makgoba of the University of Limpopo are among the keynote speakers who will bring data and firsthand insights to this topic.

Likewise, correctional facilities, already strained with overcrowding and understaffing, face growing demands as criminal cases continue to rise. As such, the CEC will explore whether the Department of Correctional Services can genuinely contribute to a just and peaceful society under such resource constraints. Professor Kevin Sibanyoni from the University of South Africa will lead discussions on whether rehabilitation is a reality or a mere ideal in correctional facilities. 

“Ultimately, without proper staffing and equipment, police, traffic, and correctional services will remain unable to making a meaningful dent in crime or improve safety conditions and the rule of law, jeopardising our country’s socio-economic development and goals,” says Ngwenya.

The union hopes the gathering will mark a turning point, calling on government officials and policymakers to recognise that investing in law enforcement and crime-fighting are necessities for South Africa to achieve its economic and social aims.

"The cost of crime itself has a severe impact on public budgets. Every cent cut from law enforcement and corrections is a price paid by households, businesses, communities, and public service delivery. Now is the time to demand change, or risk losing the battle against criminality.”

Issued by Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union