President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the country is under siege from criminals. Ramaphosa said this during his keynote address at a South African Police Service (SAPS) passing-out parade in Kimberley, Nothern Cape where 1 400 newly trained officers were certified ready for the fight against crime. The parade was one of several ceremonies that took place in seven provinces this week where a total of 10,000 officers marked the end of their basic police training.

Ramaphosa said that crime is undermining the economy, affecting small and large businesses alike, and holding back a sustainable economic recovery. The President added that he was worried that crime is wreaking havoc in communities, destroying lives and tearing families apart. "We are tired of crime. We are tired of criminals operating with impunity. We are tired of the abuse and violence directed at women, children and other vulnerable groups. We are tired of the rule of law being undermined," said President Ramaphosa.

The President told the new police officers that the profession puts them at the frontline of service of communities. "Communities will come to you for help because you are on the frontline in the fight against crime. Our country is under siege from criminals. Crime is wreaking havoc in communities, destroying lives and tearing families apart. We have recruited and trained you as part of a new front in the fight against crime. Amongst their first tasks will be to strengthen the country-wide effort to ensure that South Africans are safe and secure during this festive season," he added. He told the recruits that their job comes with a heavy responsibility. "We expect you to serve our people with respect and to do everything within your means to earn their trust. We thank you for taking up the call to serve your country," he said.