BUDGET 2003
Budget boost for policing
26 February 2003
The fight against crime in the country has received a major boost with the allocation of R2.7-billion to the criminal justice system.
Delivering his budget speech in Parliament, Cape Town on Wednesday, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said the money would also be used to ensure safety in communities.
The minister also announced a supplementary death benefit of R200 000 for police officers who lose their lives while on duty.
"We have to build communities that do not live in fear, where we can reclaim the streets from criminals, where our magistrates feel safe in our courts," Manuel told Parliament.
Part of the R2.7-billion will be used to hire more police officers, ensure the safety of magistrates in courts, purchase additional police vehicles and improve communications.
The justice department is expected to use the money to improve court performance, upgrade the Masters’ Office, and improve protection of women and children
in the court processes.
"With its share, the correctional services department will expand accommodation for the growing prisoner population, fight corruption and address urgent repair and maintenance", Manuel said.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will use its allocation to provide for the acquisition of four maritime helicopters, while R200-million a year will be used for peace support operations
According to the Budget Review tabled with Manuel's speech, an additional R4.9-billion over the next three years will go towards implementing the labour-intensive sector policing strategy. This includes employing about 21 000 new police officers.
In total, by the end of 2005/2006, the government will have recruited 30 200 entry-level constables and 15 360 civilians, including replacements necessitated by staff turnover.
The South African Police Service will have 155 260 employees at the end of 2006, over 30% more than in 2001.
An
additional allocation of R867-million in 2003/2004 will enable the police to finalise the modernisation of its vehicle fleet, and build more police stations.
Source: BuaNews
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