Gareth Newham | ISS Africa

SA has the necessary skills and resources – we need the president and police minister to make reform their mission.

With little sign that violent crime is under control, oversight by the minister is vital for effective policing.

Even so, police and other state security agencies must be ready to proactively prevent and contain disruption.

In both the policing and violence prevention spheres, ample evidence exists about what works and where to start.

New measures could put the sting back in the tail of South Africa’s efforts to curb high-level corruption.

Without the backing of the people they serve, police can’t deliver safety to citizens or stability to the state.

The problem isn’t funding or expertise – it’s a political one that President Ramaphosa cannot allow to fester.

New research highlights factors driving police misconduct in the country.

Two years after being submitted, the report still hasn’t been considered by Parliament, nor released to the public.

Civil society in South Africa needs to both support the prosecution service and hold it accountable.

Restricting public movement and alcohol consumption could reduce certain types of crime and violence, but increase others.

Concrete measures to strengthen the rule of law are necessary to prevent outbreaks of public violence.