The government appears more concerned about protecting its political elite than it does ordinary women and children, says the Democratic Alliance.
”At the same time the African National Congress government is closing down the child-protection units, it is bolstering the VIP protection unit to ensure members of government continue to receive first-class protection,” DA security spokesperson Mike Waters said in a statement on Sunday.
This contrast makes it clear that, when it comes to protecting South Africans from the ravages of crime, the protection of the political elite comes first, he said.
”The government is in the process of closing down most of the specialised policing units within the SAPS [South African Police Service]. This includes the family violence, child protection and sexual offences units.
”However, one of the few exceptions to this restructuring process is the VIP protection service, which provides security to members of government. Not only is this specialised service not being disbanded, but expenditure on it is being increased dramatically.
”The unit’s budget increased by 17,9% last financial year, and will increase by 10,2% this year — both increases well above inflation. This comes on top of a 20,4% increase in 2004/05.”
Waters said Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula’s justification for the closure of the units protecting women and children is that they are not effective.
”However, it is obvious that the units were never given a proper chance to succeed — they have been severely understaffed and under-resourced from the outset, in strong contrast to the VIP protection unit.”
The sole function of this unit is to provide protection to a handful of individuals, including the president, deputy president, former presidents and other VIPs identified by the minister.
It comprises about 2 800 members ”specifically and solely dedicated to this purpose”, he said. — Sapa