Crime completely out of control in South Africa

Award-winning economist Dawie Roodt said crime has gotten completely out of control in South Africa, and the government has lost control over the police.

This formed part of Roodt’s commentary on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

In his speech, Ramaphosa said organised crime is the most immediate threat to South Africa’s democracy, society, and economic development.

He added that South Africans of all walks of life are worried about violent crime and corruption.

He said the cost of crime is measured not only in lives lost but also in a pervasive sense of fear and the reluctance of businesses to invest.

To address the high crime rate and corruption in South Africa, Ramaphosa announced numerous interventions.

To combat gang violence and illegal mining, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is being deployed to support the police.

The government is recruiting 5,500 additional police officers this year, adding to the 20,000 previously announced.

The state will also deploy multidisciplinary intervention teams to dismantle criminal networks and consolidate intelligence at a national level.

There is a specific focus on tackling gun crime by streamlining legislation and regulations regarding firearms and ammunition.

The President also announced a new criminal justice reform initiative led by a dedicated team in the Presidency.

In the future, the State Security Agency will re-vet senior management and conduct mandatory lifestyle audits.

The government is also strengthening the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the Hawks.

To protect South African jobs, the government is cracking down on the infiltration of illegal goods and will hire 10,000 additional labour inspectors.

Ramaphosa promised that there would be no impunity for criminality and that the fight against crime must be felt equally across South Africa.

Dawie Roodt comment’s on Ramaphosa’s statements about crime

Dawie Roodt said he is positive about Cyril Ramaphosa’s statements on how the crime problem in South Africa will be addressed.

However, he added that Ramaphosa hasn’t been very successful in the past at actually doing what he says he’s going to do.

“But this time around, something could be coming from this, and that’s in reference to crime in South Africa,” he said.

Roodt is skeptical about deploying the South African Defense Force to support the South African police.

“I’m not so sure I agree with that, but I guess it’s something worth trying, especially in the Cape Flats, where the police are not capable of maintaining law and order,” he said.

He is also negative about new gun licensing laws in South Africa. “Unfortunately, that’s probably going to lead to law-abiding citizen losing their guns,” he said.

Roodt is very positive about the revetting of senior police. “This is an excellent idea. Do something about South Africa’s police service, especially the senior guys,” he said.

He explained that the government has completely lost control over the South African Police Service (SAPS).

He added that crime has gotten completely out of control in South Africa, which needs urgent interventions.

Another important plan is to address South Africa’s public procurement system, which is a major source of corruption and contributes to crime.

While President Cyril Ramaphosa placed great emphasis on combating crime, the challenge is to rein in criminals which are deeply embedded in all institutions.

“Things deteriorated to such an extent that it’s probably too late, and it’s going to be extremely difficult to fix the policing system in South Africa,” Roodt said.

“But at least the President is recognizing the reality that we do not have a proper functioning police service in South Africa.”