Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Police have vowed to crack down on serious and violent crimes in a bid to make South Africa one of the safest countries in the world.

Speaking at the launch of National Police Day and Project Stay Alert yesterday, Gauteng provincial commissioner Perumal Naidoo said police would have to strengthen their partnership with the metro police, business and the public to fight crime.

National Police Day is on January 27.

While paying tribute to police officers who died in the line of duty, Naidoo also celebrated the successes of police: "We have managed to arrest 275 suspects involved in serious and violent crimes and secured numerous convictions."

Saleem Thokan, of the Johannesburg central community police forum, said Police Day was aimed at reflecting on the successes of the police and gaining people's confidence.

Winnie Matsepe, one of the family members present at the launch, said: "My father died in 2006 and my uncle died last year. This day brings back all the memories."

Still wearing a traditional blue mourning dress, Muhadi Kheswa said: "My husband Isaac died in October. I feel happy that he is being recognised but at the same time I feel like crying because he is no more."