As someone who has until recently chaired the KwaZulu Natal Legislature's portfolio committee on Community Safety and Liaison and who has taken a close interest in safety and security issues, I have not been surprised by the findings of the Institute for Security Studies which highlight the ubiquity of the post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among our police officers as well as the SAPS's shortcomings in easing these burdens. 

The traumas resulting from police officers' frequent exposure to violence and death is real enough. And so is the SAPS's frequent lack of dedication and resources to ensure that traumatised members are properly counselled and supported. 

There is, of course, the fear of some officers of being seen displaying emotion, a concept that, in the minds of many 'manly' police personnel, does not square up to the harsh reality of crime busting. But more seriously, there is little solid leadership and mobilisation against crime in both the national and provincial governments that deepens the fear and trauma of the SAPS's ground workers. 

Let us be honest. The extreme crime levels in South Africa and KwaZulu Natal are met with resignation and acceptance. There are no fresh strategies and campaigns to tackle criminal behaviour. There is no sense of urgency about fighting and, more importantly, defeating criminals and crime. For an interventionist government that revels in targets, the ANC administration has yet to come up with a credible timeframe for reducing crime. 

The IFP urges the SAPS and its stewards in the national and provincial governments to boost the number of counselling and support options available to traumatised police officers. We also urge the government to seek help from a broader pool of social workers, religious leaders and psychologists. But, most of all, we urge the government to take the fight against crime seriously.

Dr Lionel Mtshali

Leader of the Official Opposition 

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902