Responding to criticism posed by members of opposition parties in the Provincial Legislature, Lehare refuted allegations that his department fails to deal with law transgressors decisively and inadequate police visibility. 

He told the House the police and traffic officers in the province are always on the road and that there are plans to recruit more law enforcers in the province during the 2021/22 budget. Contrary to concerns raised by MPL Erns Kleynhans and other opposition members, Lehari maintains the province is addressing safety concerns experienced in the province, including in rural remote areas. He said his department’s R2.1 billion budget will go a long way in ensuring that police stations and traffic centres are well-equipped and that transport services are improved and regulated.

According to the latest crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele, the number of murders in the country increased during the first quarter of the year with the highest increase witnessed in Mpumalanga. Limpopo, the Northern Cape, and the North West recorded a decline in murder cases.

Whilst Cele acknowledged that the police are making strides in the fight against crime as provinces have reported declines in various other crime categories, he confirmed more still needs to be done.

He noted an 8.5% decrease in the overall number of contact crimes countrywide.

OFM News