2025 Police Summit: A Holistic Approach to Crime Prevention in South Africa

South Africa’s top leadership gathered at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday for the 2025 Police Summit, a pivotal event aimed at addressing the country’s crime challenges.

Attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, MECs, cabinet ministers, and law enforcement officials, the summit sought to develop innovative, sustainable solutions to crime through collaboration, technology, and community engagement.

In his keynote speech, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) mandate: “To investigate and prevent crime, ensure justice for victims, counter threats to public safety, and address the root causes of criminality.”

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The President highlighted crime’s devastating effects on the economy, including: Reduced investment due to insecurity, disrupted business activity and rising security costs for households and corporations.

“Crime has a direct impact on the economy. It discourages investment, disrupts business activity and leads to increased security costs for companies.” he said

He also identified unemployment, inequality, and social fragmentation as key drivers of crime, emphasizing that long-term solutions must tackle these systemic issues.

“Poverty and inequality, unemployment, lack of opportunity, patriarchy and misogyny, and broken family structures are just some of the issues that contribute to crime and criminality. Addressing crime without understanding its root causes is like a doctor treating a patient for a fever without diagnosing the underlying illness.” he said

Ramaphosa called for greater public support for SAPS, acknowledging officers’ dedication despite resource constraints and complex challenges .He stressed that communities are vital partners in crime prevention, urging residents to: Share intelligence. Collaborate with Community Policing Forums (CPFs)

“Communities are the most potent resource for fighting crime. Crimes happen in communities and criminals are often known to communities.” “Citizens must be empowered to actively participate in crime prevention efforts through collaboration, awareness and community-driven initiatives to create safer neighbourhoods.”he said.

The President outlined efforts to tackle new and evolving crimes, including: Transnational organized crime, Illegal mining syndicates, Infrastructure theft and Cybercrime.

Ramaphosa emphasized that effective policing relies on trust between SAPS and communities. He called for improved police-community relations, better morale among officers and stronger accountability measures.

"To build on [police] successes, we need to restore public trust and faith in the police. We need to improve the relationships between the police and the communities they serve. We need to work to improve the morale of SAPS members, many of whom are battling heavy workloads, insufficient resources and outdated systems." he said .

He also advocated for data-driven policing, including: Crime-mapping tools, digital reporting systems and  forensic advancements. “Data plays a pivotal role in policing and law-enforcement. And we need to apply a socio-economic lens when analysing such data.” he said.

Efficiency in Action: Optimising South Africa's Policing Potential. https://t.co/BePC8MhY2t

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 8, 2025

Ramaphosa acknowledged corruption’s corrosive impact and pledged: Stronger whistleblower protections ethical training for officers and merit-based promotions.

"Corruption is a scourge that has left no aspect of society untouched, including the SAPS. Alongside measures to protect whistleblowers, implement the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and strengthen accountability, we have to urgently look at strengthening the fundamentals of policing . It is not enough to demonstrate that we are prosecuting SAPS members guilty of corruption. We have to instill a culture of honesty and integrity in the police. This includes programmes to attract the right calibre of candidates to the SAPS through a rigorous selection process, as well as providing opportunities for training, education and career development." he said.

Done By: Jordan Botha