Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced that R1.6 billion has been allocated to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), which remains one of the country’s most pressing crimes. The funding forms part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) R120 billion budget for the current financial year.
GBV, murder, gang violence, and illegal mining have been identified as the top four crimes plaguing South Africa. Minister Mchunu revealed the budget allocations while presenting his department’s budget vote in Parliament.
Funding Breakdown for GBV and Crime Response
The R1.6 billion will be directed toward key interventions, including:
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R1.5 billion for Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Units (FCS).
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R40 million for awareness campaigns targeting youth and vulnerable groups.
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R50 million for provinces to strengthen their GBV response programs.
Mchunu emphasized that GBV has reached “distressing levels,” requiring urgent and coordinated action. “We’ve tightened up coordination as government, working with multiple departments, the GBV Council, and community-based organizations under the leadership of Social Development and the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities,” he said.
Increased Visible Policing and Restructured Units
To enhance crime prevention, Mchunu announced a restructuring of the SAPS Visible Policing Division to improve proactive policing. The division will now operate as two separate units: Visible Policing and Operational Response Services.
“This restructuring aims to increase police visibility and better utilize specialized units,” Mchunu stated.
Crackdown on Rogue Police Officers
The minister also reaffirmed his commitment to rooting out corruption within law enforcement, referencing the recent arrest of Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant General Tumisan Kumalo and other officers.
“As the ministry, we’ve taken a defiant stance against corruption within the SAPS. We unequivocally state that there is no tolerance for corruption,” Mchunu declared.
Provinces with Highest Crime Rates
The Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng were identified as provinces with the highest criminal activity. The government plans to intensify policing efforts in these regions.
With GBV and violent crime remaining major challenges, the new budget allocations signal a renewed push by the government to strengthen law enforcement and protect vulnerable communities.