MEC Macie declares war on crime as he tables R2.35 Billion Safety Budget 

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane

Presenting Budget Vote 9, Macie said the department’s plans are rooted in the democratic mandate that “the people of Mpumalanga expect a government that not only delivers services, but one that also guarantees peace, stability, social cohesion and freedom from crime.”

“Our Generation Must Fight Crime” – Legacy of 1976

Linking the budget to the 50th Anniversary of the June 16, 1976 Youth Uprising, Macie said:

“Five decades ago, young people of our country confronted one of the most brutal systems of oppression in human history. The youth of 1976 fought against political oppression. Our generation must fight against crime, drugs, violence, gangsterism, gender-based violence, illegal firearms, cybercrime and all social ills that threaten the future of our young people.”

He added: “The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison occupies a strategic position in this struggle. We remain firmly committed to protecting the future for which the youth of 1976 sacrificed so much.”

Freedom Charter: “Security and Comfort”

Marking 71 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter, Macie said its vision directly guides the department’s work.

“When the Freedom Charter declared that… ‘There Shall Be Houses, Security and Comfort;’ it was outlining a society where every citizen would enjoy freedom from fear, violence and insecurity… Our work is fundamentally about ensuring that the people of Mpumalanga enjoy security and comfort.”

He stressed: “Community safety is therefore not merely a law enforcement issue; it is a developmental imperative.”

R2.35bn Budget: Four Pillars

The total budget of R2,350,000,000 is allocated across four programmes:
Programme 1 – Administration: R226 million
Programme 2 – Provincial Civilian Secretariat for Police Service: R95 million
Programme 3 – Transport Regulation: R965 million
Programme 4 – Security Management: R1.063 billion

Macie said priorities are anchored on “building a capable, ethical and developmental institution; strengthening civilian oversight and community participation in policing; enhancing road safety and traffic law enforcement; protecting government infrastructure and strategic assets.”

Crime Declining, But Syndicates Growing

Macie told the House the province faces “increasingly sophisticated and organised” threats: “We are witnessing the emergence and expansion of criminal syndicates that have diversified their operations into construction mafias, extortion rackets, illegal mining networks, stock theft syndicates, drug trafficking operations and other forms of organised crime.”

Despite this, he said crime is declining in many areas “not because criminals have become less determined, but because the state has become more focused, more coordinated and more deliberate in its response.”

He praised Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi: “Their unity, discipline and commitment have contributed significantly towards stabilising the organisation and strengthening public confidence in policing.”

In a direct warning, Macie invoked the provincial slogan: “In Mpumalanga, ‘Asidlali Siyabopha’.”

GBVF: “Iyekeleni Lento Nizongilimalela”

On Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, Macie reported that 2,765 cases were registered in 2025/26, with 238 arrests, 27 life sentences, and 533 convictions resulting in sentences exceeding 20 years.

“These achievements send a clear message that perpetrators of gender-based violence have no place in our society,” he said.

He issued a warning: “To all criminals and those who continue to inflict pain, suffering and fear upon our communities, particularly women and children: the law will pursue them relentlessly… In the language of our people, we say: ‘Iyekeleni lento nizongilimalela’, stop these criminal acts before they bring severe consequences upon you.”

Honouring “Sibali Wendawo” – Captain Johan Potgieter

Macie paused to honour Captain Johan Potgieter, who led a Crocodile River search and rescue near Komatipoort. “In the course of this operation, Captain Potgieter displayed extraordinary bravery and professionalism when he personally descended to recover a crocodile that was subsequently found to contain human remains believed to be those of the missing businessman.”

“In the communities he serves, he has earned the affectionate title of ‘Sibali Wendawo’ — a fitting recognition for a police officer whose dedication and bravery have made him a true servant of the people,” Macie said. “He represents the very best of our law enforcement community.”

Potgieter and his team also recently performed a heroic task of retrieving the missing body of 21-year-old Zenande Chiloane, who was reportedly riding alongside two other people, Vigo Godfrey(20) and Tintswalo Khoza(20),who also lost their lives when their vehicle plunged into the Crocodile River near KaMagugu in Mbombela on 7 June 2026, leading to a search for 9 days.

Jobs and Road Safety: 210 New Traffic Inspectors

The department appointed 102 Provincial Inspectors in 2025/26 and will appoint another 105 this year after training at the Mpumalanga Traffic Training College. Macie announced: “We are also happy to announce that this year we will recruit another 105 young people into the same Traffic Learnership Programme.”

To curb road deaths, the department will procure a “Moving Traffic Violation System” for high-performance vehicles. “Let me send a clear warning to those who choose to disregard our traffic laws: your days of operating with impunity are numbered… To all reckless drivers, speedsters and habitual offenders, our message is simple and unequivocal: ‘Asidlali Siyabopha!’ If you endanger the lives of other road users, the law will catch up with you.”

SA Breweries will donate a vehicle with a “grabber system” to detect drunk drivers in real time.

Security for Elections and Matric Exams

With 2026 Local Government Elections set for November – coinciding with matric exams – Macie said: “We therefore wish to assure the people of Mpumalanga… that all necessary measures will be put in place to protect examination centres and maintain an environment conducive to learning and assessment.”