The backlog in DNA testing, combating transit robberies and strengthening community policing forums (CPFs) are some of the pressing issues facing General Fannie Masemola, newly appointed police chief, that he urgently wants to tackle.
President Cyril Ramaphosa last week appointed Masemola as the country’s new police chief.
During his first public address over the weekend as police chief, Masemola said that the backlog with DNA tests must be eradicated to help “especially, but not exclusively,” victims of gender-based violence.
In March, there was a backlog of 123 509 DNA tests, still awaiting to be completed by the police forensic unit.
The backlog of DNA tests has a serious impact on the completion of court cases, in particularly serious crimes such as murder and rape.
Masemola said the backlog in firearm registrations also needs to be erased.
According to Masemola, he will soon meet with senior police members to discuss “hotspots”.
He did not say what the hotspots were.
Vacancies in the police’s crime intelligence unit, as well as in the unit for priority crimes, or the Hawks, must be filled.
Masemola also indicated that he is serious about strengthening CPFs.
He is planning a nationwide survey to improve co-operation between CPFs and the police.
“It is extremely important that the public work with the police. People in communities know about criminals who are active in their areas.”
Masemola also touched on the following which he plans to focus on:
. The relationship between the police and the public must be strengthened.
. Training of police members must be intensified.
. Transit robberies must be prevented.
. Damage to important infrastructure must be prevented.
