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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
Dr Johan Burger is a senior researcher in the crime and justice programme at the Institute for Security Studies. He served in the SA Police Service for 36 years, the last nine years as an Assistant Commissioner and Head of Operational Coordination. He holds a B Iuris, BA (Hons) in Strategic Studies, MA (Strategic Studies) and a D Tech in Policing. In addition, he has completed a number of training courses around the world. He is also actively involved in addressing security issues relating to the 2010 World Cup. Project 2010 asked him…  The latest crime statistics indicate that while the murder rate has dropped, the crime levels remain unacceptably high. How concerned should South Africa - and FIFA - be about the present situation? We can't just look at this year's crime statistics - we have to take the last few years into account as well. When the Cricket World Cup was held in 2003, crime was at a peak but we still managed to provide adequate security and, of course, it was a six week event in seven provinces. Since then, the crime levels have dropped significantly. However, 2006 to 2007 was a particularly bad year. It upset the downward trend we have experienced since 2003. We have now re-taken this downward trend. Are our security personnel ready to host an event of this magnitude? 2010 will be much bigger but shorter than the Cricket World Cup - more or less a month and in all nine provinces. In terms of people, it will require more from a security point of view. In 2003, there were 130 000 police. With 2010, that figure will be about 192 000 which gives us more than 60 000 more police officials. In addition, there will be much, much more resources available to police in terms of armoured vehicles, water cannons, helicopters etc. What do you see as the biggest security threat facing SA in 2010? How important is this to you? I believe that the biggest problem - apart from a natural disaster - would be a spontaneous outbreak of violence like the xenophobic attacks of a few weeks ago. The police must focus on planning to deal with the unexpected. Because of depleted resources as a result of the reorganisation process, they lost a great number of personnel to deal with public disorder and this cost them during the recent unrest. It weakened their ability to respond effectively. In a way, it is fortunate - and I say that with enormous sympathy for the victims - that it happened now because it was a wake up call for our police. They can't afford to let this happen again. How important will the support of foreign security experts be for 2010, especially regarding issues such as terrorism and crowd control? Already it is part and parcel of police planning. The police have established close working relationships with foreign police organisations who will be deployed in South Africa - for their expertise. Many of them will assist our police with the identifying of trouble makers and assisting with language problems. Our police have regularly visited Europe. At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, our police were there for the duration of the tournament, so there is a very clear relationship with their counterparts overseas and even around Africa. more interviews...
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