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The Portfolio Committee on Police wants the appointment process of the new National Police Commissioner to be improved. In this regard, the Committee has recommended that the Civilian Secretariat for Police should develop a policy proposal that will guide this process.

The Committee said it is important to keep in mind that the National Development Plan (NDP) states that the National Commissioner should be appointed by the President on a competitive basis. Committee Chairperson Mr Francois Beukman said the selection panel established by the President should recommend the successful candidates for the positions of National and Deputy National Commissioners. Mr Beukman added that this provision is contained in the NDP and should be adhered to.   

This emerged during last week’s committee proceedings where the necessity for Parliament to be involved in the appointment of the new National Commissioner was highlighted. On the SAPS budget, which will be debated on Tuesday, 23 May 2017 the Committee has made a record of 28 budget recommendations, which it believes would assist SAPS in the fight against crime.

“The Committee adopted its budget vote report this past week and we believe that if the Executive implements our recommendations, they will contribute immensely to the professionalisation of the SAPS,” said Mr Beukman. Among the recommendations the Committee made is the installation of CCTV cameras at all police stations in South Africa and issuing of body-cams that will record operational activity of all frontline officers.

Mr Beukman said that this initiative will contribute to the safety of police officers and ensure that the newest technology is implemented to improve frontline policing. This practice has been implemented in other countries with huge success.   Mr Beukman said that the Committee also recommended that the SAPS Detective Services be given special attention with respect to performance management in attaining its targets.“The detection rate of serious crimes and trio-crimes should be improved. Too many serious cases are not solved and the public demands answers.” 

The Committee has also recommended that the position of Deputy National Commissioner: Crime Detection be finalised. 

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Francois Beukman