The safety and security budget is set to increase to R43,6-billion by 2010.
According to the 2007 estimates of national expenditure, tabled by Finance Minister Trevor Manuel in Parliament on Wednesday, by that year there will be 190 000 police officers patrolling South Africa’s streets.
The document shows safety and security spending rising from R35,9-billion in 2007/08, to almost R43,6-billion in 2009/10. The 2006/07 safety and security budget was R32,5-billion.
”In this year’s budget [2007/08], we are allocating an extra R2,4-billion to the police to further expand police numbers and invest in technology and forensic equipment,” Manuel told MPs in the National Assembly.
The 2007/08 budget also catered for an improvement in police salaries.
To improve court capacity, reduce case backlogs and modernise the administration of justice, the Department of Justice’s budget has been increased to R8,5-billion.
The Correctional Services Department was allocated R10,7-billion in 2007/08, a R1,5-billion increase over the previous year.
Manuel said that while the government recognises the seriousness of crime, law enforcement agencies will not halt criminals if they do not get support from communities.
”Effective crime fighting depends on partnerships between our law enforcement agencies and communities.
”Through community police forums, all citizens have the opportunity to contribute towards making their communities safer,” he said. — Sapa