President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified organised crime as the most serious threat facing South Africa, pledging a strengthened and technology-driven response to restore law and order.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa said government would intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks that undermine communities, businesses and public institutions.
Central to the plan is the recruitment of more than 5,500 new police officers to bolster capacity within the South African Police Service. In addition, senior police officials will undergo a rigorous screening process aimed at ensuring accountability and integrity within law enforcement ranks.
The President said the vetting measures are intended to guarantee that those entrusted with upholding the law meet the highest ethical standards.
Ramaphosa also signalled a shift toward smarter, technology-based policing, noting that advanced tools and modern systems would be deployed to improve crime detection, intelligence gathering and operational efficiency.
With crime weighing heavily on public confidence and economic stability, the government’s message was clear: criminals should expect fewer places to hide and a police service better equipped to find them.