Vanderbajlpark: National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has expressed strong support for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s resolve to tackle serious corruption allegations within SAPS. Masemola emphasized the operational independence of SAPS and its commitment to upholding the Constitution of the Republic and enforcing the law as per Section 205(3) of the South African Constitution.

According to South African Government News Agency, Masemola made these remarks during a firearm destruction ceremony in Gauteng’s Vanderbajlpark. The Commissioner highlighted SAPS’s core responsibilities, including crime prevention, maintaining public order, and protecting citizens and their property. He further referenced Section 207(2) of the Constitution, which mandates the National Commissioner to manage the police service in line with national policy and directives from the Cabinet member responsible for policing.

Addressing the audience, Masemola pledged unity and commitment to the people of South Africa and SAPS members. He emphasized that SAPS is dedicated to serving and protecting citizens, aiming to eliminate any internal or external divisions that threaten its mission. He reiterated that SAPS is not a factional entity but a guardian of safety and security for all South Africans.

The Commissioner also noted that the destruction of firearms was more than symbolic, representing a strategic effort to combat violence. In February, 16,049 firearms were destroyed. Including the latest operation, SAPS has obliterated 291,993 firearms and parts over five years, each representing a potential life saved.

Masemola detailed that Gauteng led in the number of firearms destroyed with 5,099, followed by the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and other regions. Since April 2019, a total of 292,092 firearms have been destroyed, underscoring SAPS’s commitment to reducing violence and enhancing community safety.