Analysis - With little sign that violent crime is under control, oversight by the minister is vital for effective policing.
With little sign that violent crime is under control, oversight by the minister is vital for effective policing.as an unapologetic and decisive initiative to 'fight crime and criminality in South Africa .' Marking its anniversary last week, Police Minister Bheki Cele noted the operation's success at a media briefing that presented impressive statistics on South Africa n Police Service actions.
Murders dropped by 1.2%, or 339 fewer cases, and there was a 5.8% reduction in residential robberies - possibly due to the large number of firearms recovered. Notable decreases were recorded for most property crimes over Shanela's operational period, although this is consistent with the long-term trend for these offences.
The most effective way for the police to reduce crime is by targeting specific individuals and networks that commit the most harm. This requires investing in two areas: crime intelligence to ensure police resources are correctly focused, and investigation capacity to secure convictions for the most harmful offenders.
A longstanding concern has been the intrusion of various police ministers into the police's operational realm. Examples abound, but notably, Mdluli should never have been a candidate for Crime Intelligence head. Nevertheless, he was appointed following a meeting between four cabinet ministers and then police minister Nathi Mthethwa.
If ministers get involved in appointments and operational matters, they develop a vested interest in personalities and tactics. That makes it unlikely that they can objectively assess whether the police are achieving their strategic objectives.
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