Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) president Zizamele Cebekhulu-Makhaza has warned that loadshedding is severely impacting policing and is urging government to urgently resolve the power crisis.

He added that loadshedding is not just a matter of inconvenience for South Africans but has serious consequences for public safety and law enforcement.

He said many police stations are particularly hard-hit by power outages, leaving them without access to communication systems and computer equipment, hindering their ability to perform effectively and to respond to emergencies and carry out investigations.

“As a result, regular and lengthy power outages caused by loadshedding have definitely contributed to this rise in criminal activity, which is perhaps most evident when looking at the significant increase in robbery and burglary incidents. Power outages are not just an inconvenience but also pose a real threat to public safety given their links to violent crimes and even vehicle accidents, exacerbating safety concerns. In turn, this rise in crime rates is then putting a strain on the country's already overburdened police service, who are struggling to keep up with the demands of the population,” he noted.  

He warned that without urgent action, the situation is likely to worsen, further endangering communities across the country.

Meanwhile, Popcru is in support of proposed amendments to the SAPS Act to enhance the role of Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

Cebekhulu-Makhaza says that CPFs are a critical component in the fight against crime as they provide a platform for community members to engage with police officers and work together to address safety concerns in neighbourhoods.

Police Minister Bheki Cele recently announced in his latest crime statistics that the ministry is expediting legislation to address the gaps that are hindering policing efforts and is strengthening laws that support police work.

Additionally, as part of Operation Vulindlela, SAPS will launch a mass recruitment campaign to bolster the country’s call centres which form critical communication links between the police and communities.