Newly appointed Minister of Safety and Security, Nathi Mthethwa, is setting his sights on organised crime and corrupt police officers, but the IFP believes he should be focusing his attention on the shameful pay of deserving police officers. 

"Minister Mthethwa's frank admission that South Africa has an unacceptably high crime rate is a step in the right direction and a welcome departure from his predecessor's denial of crime, but once again the ANC has got its priorities all wrong," said IFP Safety and Security Spokesperson Velaphi Ndlovu. 

"Our police officers are being paid peanuts and are tempted into taking bribes or moonlighting in order to supplement their salaries. Police salaries still rank among the lowest compared to all government departments," said Ndlovu. 

The IFP has consistently argued for a well-trained and well-motivated police personnel as the answer to South Africa's crime problem. "Asking patrol officers to put their lives on the line in exchange for inadequate pay is, quite frankly, a long shot," said Ndlovu. 

Ndlovu added that there has been a clear lack of political will on the part of the SAPS and government as a whole in taking steps to counter police corruption. 

"Corruption undermines democracy and social justice, fuelling organised crime and stunting efforts to promote security. The IFP believes that better pay for all our police officers should be the new Minister's top priority," concluded Ndlovu.

Contact:
Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP
083 625 0803